J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney named Snehil Gambhir as VP, managing director of the company’s global-in-house center (GIC) in Bangalore, India. In his new position, Gambhir will manage all operations at the company’s first GIC, including marketing, IT and store operations. Gambhir joins J.C. Penney from Aviva Life Insurance India, where he served as the company’s chief operating officer.
Harvey Nichols
David Aquilina was hired as Harvey Nichols’ head of menswear. In his new role, Aquilina will oversee the menswear category at Harvey Nichols’ eight stores in Ireland and the U.K. His resume includes previous leadership roles at Lane Crawford and Kurt Geiger. He succeeds Darren Skey, who left Harvey Nichols to pursue other career opportunities.
Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant and Catherines chief executive Linda Heasley left her post to become the CEO of another Ascena Retail chain, HoneyBaked Ham. Prior to her chief executive role, Heasley served as the CEO of Lane Bryant. Heasley’s resignation follows Ascena Retail’s ongoing financial problems. The company plans to restructure its business after experiencing a decline in same-store sales over the holiday season.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic global brand president Andi Owen is leaving the company in late February. Owen joined Gap Inc. in 1991 and held various leadership roles, including EVP and general manager of Gap Global Outlet and SVP and general manager of Banana Republic Factory Stores. Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck will oversee the brand while a search is conducted for Owen’s successor.
Related Stories
Burlington Stores
Burlington Stores recently announced senior leadership promotions effective Jan. 30. EVP and chief merchandising officer Jennifer Vecchio will be promoted to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer and principal, EVP and chief financial officer Marc Katz will be promoted to chief financial officer and principal and EVP of stores Fred Hand will be promoted to the newly created role of chief customer officer and principal.
VF Corporation
VF Corporation appointed Travis Campbell as its new Smartwool brand president, effective Jan. 30. Campbell joins VF Corporation from Far Bank Enterprises, where is served as the company’s CEO and president. His resume also includes previous stints at Rio Products International, Inc., Redington Tackle & Apparel and Sage Manufacturing.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford tapped former Barneys New York EVP of marketing and communications Charlotte Blechman as its new CMO. Prior to Barneys New York, Blechman served as the VP of public relations at Gucci U.S.
Differential Brands Group
Bob Ross was hired as Differential Brands Group’s CFO, effective Jan. 30. With over 20 years of retail experience, Ross joins Differential Brands Group from Nasty Gal, where he served as the company’s CFO. His resume includes previous stints at Ideeli Inc. and Urban Outfitters.