Sterling International appoints Ophélie Barassin as deputy managing partner and associate

Ophélie Barassin is making her comeback at Sterling International as deputy managing partner and associate. The French manager indeed contributed to the early development of the recruitment firm specializing in executive positions in the fashion and luxury sectors alongside its founder Michael Boroian, from 2002 until 2017.

During her 13-year tenure, she initially served as a researcher, later rising to become director of operations at Sterling International.

“Ophélie Barassin is entering the pinnacle of her career, and it is an honor to welcome her back to Sterling, where her achievements and contributions have been a source of inspiration for all. Both a leader and a manager, her operational prowess and strategic agility will set the bar higher, both internally and with clients and candidates,” said Michael Boroian in a statement, who founded the firm in 2001.

“At the forefront of developing best practices in recruitment, she possesses an in-depth understanding of the fashion, retail, and luxury sectors,” the statement indicated, specifying that Barassin “will work closely with Michael Boroian to manage the company and its four offices in Paris, Milan, Brussels, and New York.”

A graduate with a Master’s degree from the Neoma Business School in Rouen, the 46-year-old manager began her career at Cartier, later moving to Emanuel Ungaro, holding positions in financial control, before joining Sterling International, from which she departed in 2017 to work at the French jewelry brand Mad Lords as managing director. Then, in 2020, she became the executive director of Etienne Russo’s event agency, Villa Eugénie, which produces runway shows for top luxury houses. Concurrently, she founded her own consulting firm, One O One Consulting.

“My mission is to bring Sterling’s legacy, team, and expertise to the next chapter by working alongside founder Michael Boroian and optimizing our internal resources,” stated Barassin. The recruitment firm has also recently promoted Alice Bouleau, who leads its creative division, to associate, working in Milan with Cristina Baruzzi, who heads the Italian team and is also an associate at Sterling.