After a lengthy and challenging search for the CEO of American Riviera Orchard, Meghan Markle has ultimately chosen the ideal candidate: herself. The Duchess of Sussex, aged 43, has appointed herself as the CEO of her yet-to-be-launched lifestyle brand, according to the Daily Mail. Markle had been conducting interviews with potential employees for several months after announcing the brand's upcoming launch earlier this year.
However, by August, it became apparent that the former 'Suits' actress was struggling to find a suitable candidate for the CEO position. A source informed the outlet's columnist, Richard Eden, that "She is the CEO of American Riviera Orchard." In April, another source revealed that "The initial CEO search has not panned out so far."
Markle unveiled her new business venture in March, but nine months later, there is still no release date or information about the products that customers can anticipate. The difficulty in appointing a CEO has reportedly been due to ongoing negotiations with Netflix regarding a potential partnership with American Riviera Orchard.
An insider shared with the outlet that "This is something new for Netflix." If a partnership is agreed upon, it is likely that Netflix would install its own CEO to manage operations. The Post has contacted Markle's representatives for comment.
Markle has encountered numerous ongoing trademark issues while attempting to establish her company. Last week, she requested a three-month extension from the US Patent and Trademark Office to secure a trademark for the brand. If Markle and her team miss the next deadline, they will be required to restart the application process from the beginning.
Her extension request comes just one month after the company faced another trademark complication when rival lifestyle brand Harry & David filed a protest against American Riviera Orchard, claiming the name is too similar to its "Royal Riviera" product line.
In September, the USPTO refused the mom of two's trademark application, warning that businesses cannot trademark geographical locations. Earlier this year, she and Prince Harry faced another setback when their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, resigned after only three months on the job.
The reason for Kettler's departure was disclosed in August, just one day before he was scheduled to accompany the Sussexes on their trip to Colombia. He was the 18th staffer working for the couple to resign over the past four years.
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