Designer Nicola Glass, Creative Director of Kate Spade, announces departure
In a move aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for customers, luxury fashion brand Kate Spade has announced several leadership changes and the creation of new roles. This shift comes amidst a period of digital growth for the brand and ongoing adjustments in its overall direction and strategy.
Kate Spade's parent company, Tapestry, presented a multi-year growth plan for the brand in February, aiming to crystallize its purpose and return to a position of strength. As part of this plan, Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry, spoke to analysts regarding the company’s second quarter earnings in February.
One of the key changes is the exit of Creative Director Nicola Glass, who joined Kate Spade in early 2018. Glass oversaw all accessory hardware and technical design, and sourced and developed all leathers and fabrics at Michael Kors prior to joining Kate Spade. The specific reasons for Glass's departure have not been detailed in the available sources.
To maintain a consistent brand experience amidst these changes, Tapestry emphasizes strategic talent planning, organizational design, and enterprise-wide change management. These efforts include aligning policies and practices with company values and culture, supported through HR partnerships and leadership coaching programs.
Kristen Naiman, previously the Senior Vice President of Brand Creative, will take on the role of Senior Vice President of Brand Concept and Strategy on April 1. Meanwhile, Jenny Campbell joined Kate Spade as the new Chief Marketing Officer in November.
The new roles, including the appointment of a Head of Product Design, are intended to ensure a consistent brand experience across all customer touchpoints. These changes suggest an effort to improve the company’s brand consistency and customer experience.
Kate Spade has been performing well in its digital channels, attracting around half a million new customers to the brand through digital channels in North America. Retailers are reworking stores to suit shoppers by implementing complementary shop-in-shops, age-appropriate experiences, and integrated technology.
Despite these positive developments, the brand has struggled over the past few years, with a 12.7% decline in sales reported in its latest quarter. The leadership changes and strategic initiatives may be a response to these challenges, as the company navigates its path towards growth and renewed success.
Anna Bakst, the previous CEO of Kate Spade, departed from the company in late 2019. Liz Fraser was instated as the new CEO a couple of months later.
As Kate Spade continues to evolve, it remains committed to its mission of providing a unique and engaging shopping experience for its customers. These leadership changes and strategic initiatives indicate a focus on enhancing that experience, positioning Kate Spade for continued success in the competitive fashion industry.
[1] Source: Various company communications and financial reports. [4] Source: Tapestry's 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report.
- In the face of ongoing digital growth and strategic adjustments, Kate Spade, under its parent company Tapestry, has announced leadership changes and the creation of new roles, aiming to improve the brand's customer experience and return to a position of strength.
- Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry, spoke about the company’s second quarter earnings in February, as part of a multi-year growth plan presented by Tapestry for Kate Spade.
- One of the key changes includes the exit of Creative Director Nicola Glass, with the reasons for her departure not detailed in available sources.
- To maintain brand consistency and enhance the customer experience, Kate Spade is implementing strategies like strategic talent planning, organizational design, and enterprise-wide change management.
- These changes include the appointment of a Head of Product Design, the new role of Senior Vice President of Brand Concept and Strategy for Kristen Naiman, and the arrival of Jenny Campbell as the new Chief Marketing Officer, all aimed at ensuring a consistent brand experience across all customer touchpoints.
