Savitude, a prominent technology platform leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning for inclusive fashion design, recently announced the appointment of Karen H. Williams as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Williams, who holds a BS from Stanford University in Product Design/Engineering, and an MBA from Harvard University in General Management, most recently served as Vice President of Store Development Operations for Starbucks, where she led the company’s programme management and change leadership team to drive cross-functional processes and determine strategies for maximising throughput in existing stores, setting the stage for future growth and accommodating the 30 per cent increase in mobile ordering generated during COVID-19.
In her new role, Williams will leverage her experience as seasoned operations, strategy and change management executive to guide Savitude as it enters its next growth phase extending industry-first technology to global fashion brands and retailers.
Meanwhile, Camilla Olson, Co-founder of Savitude will transition from the role of CEO to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and board member.
“The fashion industry is undergoing a reset on a global scale driven by pressure to reduce cost, increase agility and build new customer relationships. Savitude has pioneered tools that will minimise the root challenges that the fashion industry is experiencing. Savitude technology and tools are disruptive, and require clear messaging and powerful test cases to communicate the potential,” commented Williams, CEO, Savitude, adding, “I am both humbled and excited to lead this team that has made such important strides in fashion technology and its potential applications.”
“We had an ‘easy’ search with an incredible pool of candidates. While Karen was outside the industry, we thought her consumer experience, organisation and technological approaches were aligned with our needs. What we found working with Karen is that she is a leader who unites people in the room, with a powerful vision and purpose. I am proud of what Savitude has accomplished, and I am certain Karen will lead us successfully into our next phase,” shared Olson.
In the months ahead, Williams will spearhead efforts to target key opportunities and strategic partnerships in her role leading the team, which includes Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Nicholas Clayton and Fashion Architect Jungah Lee.
