Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has taken a bold step in the launch of her lifestyle brand, ‘American Riviera Orchard’, by appointing herself as CEO after months of searching for a suitable candidate.
Markle, 43, reportedly struggled to find a qualified professional for the position, a problem that was made worse by continuing brand disputes and conversations with Netflix over a possible relationship for the company.
The life venture, announced in March, aims to focus on house, yard, food, and life wares, though no official launch date or extensive product line has been revealed however.
Following a lengthy search that failed to yield satisfactory results, Markle’s choice to assume the CEO role herself was reported by the Daily Mail. She is the CEO of American Riviera Orchard, according to a source who spoke to columnist Richard Eden.
Additionally, the outlet noted that a partnership with Netflix could have a significant impact on the company’s operations, with the streaming giant potentially appointing its own CEO in the event of a resolution.
Markle’s behind-the-scenes efforts to finalize the brand and settle trademark disputes, according to The Mirror, signal a planned public resumption in 2025, with the launch of both her lifestyle brand and Netflix projects anticipated early in the year.
Markle’s path to launching American Riviera Orchard has been fraught with difficulties. The US Patent and Trademark Office ( USPTO ) rejected the brand’s trademark application in September, according to The Express, citing the inclusion of a geographic location in its name and describing its logo as overly intricate.
Markle’s team has since made adjustments, but a further protest from the rival lifestyle brand Harry &, David in October, claiming similarity to their” Royal Riviera” product line, has caused additional delays.
Markle recently requested a three-month extension from the USPTO in order to protect the brand’s trademark, according to the New York Post, to prevent having to start over from scratch.
These administrative hurdles, paired with Markle’s departure from public view over the last few months, have contributed to the delayed rollout of the brand’s products, which are expected to include jams, spreads, cutlery, and recipe books.
Despite these setbacks, Markle has reportedly been working diligently in the background to ensure the success of her lifestyle brand. Sources close to the Duchess, as cited by Page Six, stated,” She’s been in the background working on her entrepreneurial efforts. In the coming year, both her brand and the Netflix project will be released on the same day.
Markle reportedly has talks with Netflix about a partnership that could combine her show’s spinoffs, potentially creating a unique media-commerce hybrid.
A rocky staffing history
Markle’s choice to become the CEO comes after a turbulent history of staff turnover.
According to the New York Post, Josh Kettler, her former chief of staff, resigned after just three months on the job, making him the 18th staffer to leave the Sussexes ‘ team over the past four years.
Markle and Prince Harry had to work together to form a stable team to carry out their professional endeavors, but Kettler’s resignation in August, one day before accompanying the couple on a trip to Colombia.
