Kaylah Walton
Meghan Markle has taken on the role of CEO for her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, after an unsuccessful search for the right candidate.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, made this decision following a lengthy period of seeking a leader for her enterprise, which she launched earlier this year.
Unsuccessful CEO Search
Sources from Page Six indicate that Markle’s brand is still in the preparatory phase, and despite months of searching for a CEO, she has yet to find anyone who fits her criteria.
After interviewing numerous candidates, she ultimately chose to assume the position herself.
A source revealed, “She is the CEO of American Riviera Orchard,” while another mentioned in April, “The initial search for the CEO has not been successful so far.”
Even with the challenges in leadership selection, Markle remains determined to launch her brand, though specifics regarding the launch date or product offerings have not been disclosed yet.
Internal Struggles
An insider from Hollywood described the internal state of the company as chaotic, calling it a “disaster.”
Another source noted that Markle has been somewhat secretive about the brand’s developments.
Nonetheless, she is reportedly focused on her project and plans to dedicate a significant part of 2024 to behind-the-scenes preparations, aiming for a brand launch in early 2025.
Markle is also dealing with legal issues related to her trademark.
In early November, she sought a three-month extension from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to finalize the trademark registration.
This extension request followed challenges with her patent application, including a conflict with the brand Harry & David, which raised concerns that the name American Riviera Orchard resembled its own product line, Royal Riviera.
This legal hurdle is part of a broader set of challenges, as in September, the USPTO rejected her trademark application, citing restrictions on registering geographical names.
In addition to these complications, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have encountered fresh difficulties with the resignation of their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, after only three months, marking the 18th departure from their team in four years.
