As part of efforts to urgently expand its digital presence globally, Ralph Lauren has announced a series of appointments and promotions, including naming former Burberry executive, Alice Delahunt, as the US apparel giant’s first chief digital officer.
Delahunt will join Ralph Lauren in April, reporting directly to CEO Patrice Louvet and will also be a part of the company’s executive leadership team. She will be responsible for elevating the Polo brand owner’s global digital platforms and enhancing the digital experience for consumers across all channels to drive consumer acquisition, retention, value and revenue.
In the wake of its first-quarter results last summer, Ralph Lauren revealed on a conference call it would be investing in growing its digital presence and cutting back in other areas including its department store presence and promotion-led sales.
Ralph Lauren doubling-down on its digital offering
Now Louvet says the company is “moving urgently” to expand its digital presence globally and is bringing in the right senior talent to help it deliver.
“We have to meet consumers where they are, which is increasingly online, and digital expansion is one critical way we will drive new growth for our iconic business and brand,” he adds.
Delahunt joins Ralph Lauren most recently from Burberry, where she served as director of digital marketing and led digital innovation on social media platforms globally.
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By GlobalDataShe will be joining the company alongside Galen Hardy, who hails from online clothing and shoe retailer Zappos and will take on the role as senior vice president, Club Monaco e-commerce and business operations.
Meanwhile, Laura Porco has been promoted to senior vice president, e-commerce for Ralph Lauren North America, and Valeria Juarez to senior vice president, e-commerce, international.
In order to support Ralph Lauren’s global digital expansion, strong core technology and infrastructure are critical says the company, as it has also made a number of senior leadership appointments across its IT organisation.
Chief information officer Janet Sherlock, who joined the company in August from children’s wear company Carter’s, will be joined by Cyrus Fenton as senior vice president, IT security and infrastructure, chief information security officer.
Lower customer demand in the second quarter saw Ralph Lauren post a revenue decline that was in line with its expectations for the period, despite posting a 214.7% profit hike.
Ralph Lauren books 214.7% Q2 profit hike, sales slide
