The Appointment Is the Latest in a String of Strategic Executive Reshufflings
Ralph Lauren Corporation has appointed Bob Ranftl as its Chief Operating Officer, effective March 30. Ranftl succeeds Jane Nielsen. Ranftl has been with the fashion company since 2015, serving numerous financial and commercial roles. His most recent role was as regional CEO for North America. His successor will be Mercedes Abramo, commencing her role on March 1.
“With his global Ralph Lauren experience, extensive operational background and deep love for our brand, Bob is uniquely qualified to serve as our next chief operating officer, after laying strong foundations that pivoted North America to growth,” remarked Patrice Louvet, President and CEO of Ralph Lauren. He added, “As we progress on our path toward long-term, sustainable growth in North America, Mercedes’ proven luxury retail and people leadership, and her deep understanding of the market and consumer, make her a natural choice to be our next regional CEO for North America. Ralph and I look forward to her partnership and leadership.”
Amid the changes, it was revealed that Justin Picicci ascended to CFO last May as part of a planned succession. He inherited the position from Nielsen, who was due to continue as COO until the end of the fiscal year in 2025.
Nielsen first joined Ralph Lauren as CFO in 2016 and eventually rose to the roles of executive vice president, chief operating officer, and CFO in 2019. Her previous experience includes time as the CFO at Coach Inc., as well as PepsiCo.
Ranftl’s versatile leadership at Ralph Lauren includes prior roles as COO for North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe, Middle East and Africa. He possesses intimate knowledge of the company’s strategy and brand value chain, which he utilized in helping to deliver Ralph Lauren’s vision. His tenure as North America’s regional CEO saw expansion in key cities, as well as the brand’s direct-to-consumer debut in Canada. As COO, Ranftl will manage IT, logistics, real estate, architecture, and store design, and the company’s licensing department.
Reflecting on his journey, Ranftl stated, “Over the past 10 years, it has been a privilege to work with our teams to bring Ralph’s vision to life for consumers in different markets around the world”. He added, “The North America team has set the foundation for the region’s bright future ahead under Mercedes’s leadership. The company is in a strong position, and as chief operating officer, I look forward to driving the operational excellence that will help enable long-term success.”
Abramo transfers to Ralph Lauren from Cartier S.A., where she held the role of Deputy Chief Commercial Officer. Her retail leadership career began in New York, where she directed Cartier’s Fifth Avenue flagship store before becoming Vice President of Retail and subsequently, President and CEO of Cartier’s North American operations. In her statement, Abramo expressed excitement at her upcoming responsibilities, “The North American market is incredibly diverse, dynamic and full of opportunity. I am proud to join the team at one of the most exciting times in the company’s history and to help lead the region in its next stage of growth.”
Ranftl and Abramo will join the company’s enterprise leadership team and report to Louvet. Several other Ralph Lauren executives are taking on expanded roles as well.
These include Halide Alagöz, the company’s Chief Product and Merchandising Officer, who will now also supervise Collection and Purple Label and brand image departments. Ashley Potter, regional CEO for EMEA and Emerging Markets, will add Chief Lifestyle Officer to her responsibilities, overseeing the Ralph Lauren Home and hospitality categories. Shin Hwee Chua is expanding her remit to lead the full APAC region, including Japan, Korea, and Australia in her capacity as regional CEO.