St Ives Group PLC announced that J Schwan will be appointed as the group's CEO. Schwan has been with St Ives for three years, serving previously as founder and CEO of Solstice, and more recently as the group's first chief digital officer. Schwan will take over for current CEO Matt Armitage, who will retire on Aug. 3, 2018. Armitage will continue in his role until this date and will remain with the group for another 12 months as a special adviser to assist with the transition. Schwan founded the digital innovation firm Solstice in 2001. Schwan's appointment as CEO will be effective Aug. 4, 2018.