Former Nike Executive to Lead Marketing Efforts at Rihanna’s Lingerie Brand
Vanessa Wallace has been appointed as the new Chief Marketing Officer of Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty brand. Wallace stated in her exclusive statement to WWD,
I’ve always admired Rihanna as a fashion icon, musician and fearless entrepreneur. She has undoubtedly created something very special with Savage x Fenty, and I firmly believe in the brand’s impact on millions of consumers. My goal is to build on this tremendous momentum and ensure we remain at the forefront of culture and drive the industry toward greater inclusivity.”
Prior to joining Savage x Fenty, Wallace was with Nike for close to two decades where she held various roles. Her most recent endeavor was leading the marketing efforts for the Jordan Brand in North America. There, she launched the Jordan Brand Women’s Collective, an initiative to empower women, and helped in founding the Jordan Brand Black Community Commitment, which aimed to fight systemic racism through a $100 million investment.
In her new role at Savage x Fenty, Wallace will be in charge of brand and product marketing, media, creative, membership, and global communications. She will report directly to the brand’s CEO, Hillary Super.
Speaking about Wallace’s appointment, Hillary Super said, “Vanessa’s track record of brand building, most recently at Jordan, showcases her ability to drive growth and innovation. Her deep experience spans across various channels, including retail, digital and wholesale, making her exceptionally well-positioned for this role. Vanessa has a proven ability to create brand heat and engage consumers in meaningful ways, and we’re excited to see her bring this expertise to Savage x Fenty.”
Savage x Fenty, which was launched by Rihanna in 2018 and specializes in intimates, loungewear, and sportswear, is co-owned by French luxury giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The brand is known for its commitment to inclusivity, with a diverse range of sizes and affordable prices.
The brand began as an online business and moved to retail in early 2022. It has since opened nine locations, including in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orland Park, Washington, D.C., and New York. It also plans to expand to Detroit, Glendale, Miami, St. Louis, and Boston.
Super also revealed future strategies, saying, “Our priorities include expanding Savage x Fenty’s product lines and doubling down on retail expansion and wholesale growth. Increasing points of distribution allow us to meet our customers where they are, ensuring they have access to our products. This dual approach broadens our reach and the overall customer experience.”