Ben Mead: The Visionary Leader Behind Varley’s Global Success
In the dynamic world of contemporary fashion and business leadership, Ben Mead stands out as an exemplary figure who has transformed a creative vision into a globally recognised brand. As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Varley, Mead’s journey from the finance sector to the helm of a multimillion-pound fashion label is a testament to determination, adaptability, and strategic thinking. His story is not just about building a brand; it is about understanding markets, creating authentic experiences, and setting new standards in an industry that thrives on innovation and style.
Early Life and Education
Ben Mead’s professional foundation was shaped by his academic years at the University of Bristol, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Politics between 2001 and 2004. The analytical and critical skills developed during his university years have been invaluable in navigating both corporate and entrepreneurial challenges. Bristol’s reputation for fostering independent thinkers helped prepare Mead for a career path that demanded adaptability, strategic planning, and the ability to operate effectively in competitive markets.
Career Beginnings in Finance
Before entering the world of fashion, Ben Mead honed his expertise in the fast-paced finance sector. His early roles gave him a strong grounding in market dynamics, corporate operations, and client relations — all crucial skills for any future business leader.
Equities Role at Citi
From October 2006 to August 2009, Mead worked in Equities at Citi in London. This position placed him at the heart of global financial markets during a period of significant change. Here, he developed a deep understanding of trading strategies, investment analysis, and the complexities of high-value transactions. The role also refined his decision-making skills under pressure — an ability that would later prove essential when making pivotal choices for Varley.
Equities Role at UniCredit
Following his tenure at Citi, Mead joined UniCredit in August 2009, continuing in the Equities division until November 2011. Working for one of Europe’s leading banks provided him with an expanded perspective on cross-border finance and international client engagement. UniCredit’s diverse portfolio and global reach exposed him to new strategies in risk management, asset performance, and market positioning.
Corporate Finance at Omnicom
Earlier in his career, from September 2004 to September 2006, Mead served as a Corporate Finance Associate at Omnicom in New York. Omnicom, being a major global marketing and communications company, allowed him to experience the intersection of finance and brand strategy. This unique exposure to brand-driven businesses would later influence his approach to developing Varley’s distinctive identity in the fashion market.
Founding Varley
In January 2011, Ben Mead, alongside his wife Lara, took a bold step away from the corporate world to establish Varley — a contemporary fashion and activewear brand designed for the modern, sophisticated woman. Initially conceived as a niche brand with a focus on quality and style, Varley quickly gained recognition for its clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and versatile designs.
The brand’s early growth was driven by wholesale partnerships, where Mead’s financial acumen and relationship-building skills proved vital. Understanding market demand and building strong ties with retailers allowed Varley to secure prime shelf space in leading stores.
The Evolution of Varley
Moving Beyond Activewear
While Varley began as a performance-driven activewear label, under Mead’s leadership, it has evolved into a broader lifestyle brand. This strategic shift was not accidental — it was a carefully calculated move to capture a larger share of the women’s fashion market. By introducing collections that blend performance fabrics with stylish, everyday wear, Varley bridged the gap between gym and street, appealing to consumers who value both functionality and elegance.
International Expansion
In 2016, the Meads relocated from the United Kingdom to Los Angeles to better position the brand within the booming US activewear market. This move reflected a deep understanding of geographical market opportunities and the importance of proximity to key customers and influencers. Los Angeles, with its blend of health culture, fashion innovation, and celebrity influence, provided the perfect environment for Varley to thrive.
Flagship Stores and Experiential Retail
Varley’s success is not limited to online and wholesale channels. In recent years, the brand has expanded into flagship retail spaces, with carefully curated stores in London and New York. These spaces reflect the company’s ethos of “quiet confidence” — offering customers an immersive experience that goes beyond simple transactions. Mead has consistently emphasised that these stores are as much about building brand relationships as they are about sales.
Business Philosophy and Leadership Style
Ben Mead’s leadership is marked by a blend of strategic foresight and creative openness. His finance background gives him a disciplined approach to budgeting, investment, and operational efficiency, while his exposure to brand-centric industries has made him a champion of storytelling and consumer experience.
He believes in building brands with authenticity — a quality that has allowed Varley to maintain a loyal customer base despite rapid growth. Mead’s approach to management encourages collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence at every level of the organisation.
Achievements and Milestones
Under Ben Mead’s guidance, Varley has achieved remarkable success in its first decade:
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Revenue Growth: The brand has reached revenues estimated at around £63 million, a testament to its growing global influence.
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Brand Diversification: Expansion into new product lines, including loungewear, outerwear, and accessories, has strengthened Varley’s market presence.
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Global Recognition: Featured in top fashion publications and stocked by premium retailers worldwide.
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Sustainability Efforts: While fashion faces ongoing scrutiny over environmental impact, Varley has taken steps to integrate responsible production and sourcing practices.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Like any business, Varley has faced challenges — from navigating shifting fashion trends to adapting during global disruptions. Mead’s ability to pivot quickly, whether through strengthening online channels during retail closures or introducing new categories to meet changing consumer needs, has been instrumental in the brand’s resilience.
The Role of Education and Early Career in His Success
It is clear that Mead’s time at the University of Bristol laid the foundation for his analytical and problem-solving skills, while his early finance roles taught him how to assess risks, manage resources, and think globally. The transition from finance to fashion might seem unusual, but his career progression demonstrates how transferable skills, when applied with creativity, can yield exceptional results.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Varley
With a strong foothold in both the UK and US markets, Ben Mead’s vision for Varley includes continued product innovation, selective retail expansion, and deeper engagement with the brand’s community. In a fashion industry where consumer loyalty can be fleeting, Mead’s strategy focuses on building lasting relationships through quality, design, and authenticity.
Varley’s blend of functionality and style positions it well for the future, particularly as the line between activewear and everyday fashion continues to blur. Mead’s leadership will remain crucial in guiding the brand through new market trends, technological changes, and evolving consumer expectations.
Conclusion
From his early days in corporate finance to becoming the CEO of one of the most talked-about contemporary fashion brands, Ben Mead has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt, innovate, and lead. His career reflects a rare combination of financial expertise, creative vision, and a deep understanding of global markets.
Through Varley, Mead has not only built a successful business but also redefined what it means to create a lifestyle brand that resonates across continents. His journey serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with the right mix of skills, determination, and vision, it is possible to make a mark on industries far removed from one’s original career path.
In the competitive world of fashion, Ben Mead’s name is now synonymous with style, substance, and strategic success — qualities that will undoubtedly continue to shape Varley’s story for years to come.
