DAVID LAUREN PROMOTED TO CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER AT RALPH LAUREN

Ralph Lauren Corporation has promoted David Lauren to chief innovation officer, a new position in which he will lead company efforts to create new initiatives that help drive the Ralph Lauren brand across all channels. He will continue to report to Stefan Larsson, president and chief executive officer.

David Lauren was previously executive vice president of global advertising, marketing and communications. In that role, he was responsible for the global advertising and marketing campaigns for Ralph Lauren Corporation and all of its brands, as well as the company’s corporate and fashion communications and strategic marketing partnerships. A member of the company’s board of directors since 2013, he will also take on the new role of vice chairman of the board.

“Naming our first chief innovation officer reflects the central importance of innovation to the company’s future and the success of our ‘Way Forward’ plan,” said Larsson. “I have great confidence in David, and his skill set and track record make him the logical choice for this critical new role in which he will be responsible for building an innovation capability that can have a major impact on the company’s overall brand strength and financial performance. This capability will help us create a sustainable competitive advantage by bringing us closer to the consumer as we continue to evolve the company from the core of its iconic brand.”

Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer, said, “Innovation has been important to our Company from its earliest days and as we continue to build for the future, it is now essential to devote the full attention to one of our most talented and creative executives to nurture and promote innovation in everything we do. Since joining the company in 2000, David has been breaking new ground – he launched our website, pioneered our use of digital technology, built our e-commerce capabilities, and has consistently brought innovative thinking to everything he has done. I am pleased that David is taking on this critical new position which will formalize the role he was already playing and give him the platform and opportunities to do even more.”

“I am excited by my new responsibilities as we intensify our efforts to take our great company to the next level,” added David Lauren. “Stefan has made it clear that innovation from the core is a key part of the company’s ‘Way Forward’ plan which is already having an impact on our business. Innovation has always been in the DNA of Ralph Lauren Corporation, and I am energized by the opportunity to establish a systematic and disciplined innovation process that will create real business impact across the company.”