Abercrombie & Fitch Co. found its new CEO inside its organization. The teen retailer announced Wednesday that it has promoted President and Chief Merchandising Officer Fran Horowitz to the role of CEO. Horowitz will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
Consequently, Joanne Crevoiserat has been named chief operation officer while continuing in her current role of executive vice president and chief financial officer. Arthur Martinez will continue in the role of executive chairman. These appointments are effective immediately.
With Horowitz taking the helm, the Office of the Chairman, which has been leading the company since December 2014, has been dissolved.
“It is an honor to lead Abercrombie & Fitch’s efforts to strengthen our performance and reignite our growth,” Horowitz said. “We have made solid progress in our efforts to listen to and provide our customers with shopping experiences that exceed their expectations.”
Horowitz has served as president and chief merchandising officer of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. since December 2015. She joined the company as Hollister brand president in October 2014 from Ann Taylor Loft, where she also held the role of brand president.
Martinez lauded Horowitz for her leadership in the turnaround of Hollister and for enhancing both Hollister’s and Abercrombie’s “customer-focused” shopping experiences.
“She is a talented, creative and dedicated executive who has energized our team around important cultural values, a customer-centric mindset and a commitment to assuring our Company’s success,” Martiez said. “Fran’s efforts have earned her the respect of the Board and associates throughout our global operations. We are confident that as CEO, she is the right person to lead the company forward.”
