Alibaba appoints new MDs for France and Germany

Alibaba has appointed Terry von Bibra as managing director of Alibaba Group Germany and Sébastien Badault as managing director of Alibaba Group France. The appointments take effect immediately.

Prior to joining Alibaba, von Bibra was Chief Retail Officer Omnichannel for German department store chain Karstadt.

Badault was most recently responsible for the development of Google’s strategic customers in Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa as Global Account Director. Prior to joining Google, he was European Business Development Manager for Amazon.

Both von Bibra  and Badault will report to Michael Evans, president of Alibaba Group.

In a statement issued today (1 December), Alibaba said: “The appointment of these two senior business leaders is another important milestone in Alibaba Group’s expansion in the European markets, a critical part of the company’s globalization strategy to serve as a “gateway to China” for international brands and businesses of all sizes.

“As a part of this international expansion and in order to better serve existing and future partners in Europe, the company will be opening country offices in Munich, Germany and Paris, France.

“The Germany and France offices will assist current partners and local brands, retailers and government partners who want to access the large and growing Chinese consumer class looking for high-quality international products and services.”