Ralph Lauren has appointed Christopher Conrad for the role of Chief Digital and Technology Officer as Janet Sherlock prepares to retire.
Conrad has previously served as SVP and CIO at Levi Strauss & Co. for seven years. He has also held technology leadership positions at Billabong, Lululemon and American Eagle.
In a LinkedIn post Sherlock, who joined the company in 2017, said, “Chris brings a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly ensure the continuity of our digital journey forward, with a focus on enhancing consumer experience.”
Retailers like Gap and Macy’s are revamping their tech leadership to foster modernisation to enhance customer and employee experiences, optimising operations, and improving visibility through technological advancements. According to a January report by Databricks, retailers and consumer packaged goods companies are leading the way in investments in data and AI.
According to a January report by Databricks, retailers and consumer packaged goods companies are leading the way in investments in data and AI.
In her retirement message, Sherlock spotlighted Ralph Lauren’s recent AI initiatives, which have significantly impacted inventory optimisation, forecasting, and consumer engagement. The company began incorporating AI and ML technologies into various functions, including copy editing, graphics, and computer programming, last year.
“We are focused on what we can control,” said Jane Nielsen, Ralph Lauren’s former CFO and current COO, during the company’s Q3 2024 earnings call in February. Nielsen emphasised that leveraging big data and AI is a crucial part of their strategy.
Despite a slight revenue increase in its May earnings report, Ralph Lauren anticipates profit declines in the near future. The company is also adjusting to Nielsen’s departure as CFO in May and her upcoming exit as COO at the end of fiscal year 2025.
