J.Crew Group has named Kathleen Van Nest Pierce, a former Dyson executive, president of its J.Crew brand, WWD has learned.
Pierce fills a long vacant slot at J.Crew. For years, Libby Wadle, who serves as chief executive officer of the J.Crew Group, has also been leading the J.Crew brand. The group includes J.Crew, Madewell, and J.Crew Factory.
Pierce officially starts at J.Crew on Aug. 4. “In this newly-created role, Pierce will lead the brand’s merchandising, design, marketing, and retail teams to accelerate business momentum and deliver sustainable long-term growth,” the company indicated in a statement. Pierce will report to Wadle.
Kathleen Van Nest Pierce
Wadle was not available to comment on the decision to hire a president for J.Crew, considering that for several years the brand operated without one. However, a spokesperson said: “Hiring Kathleen provides J.Crew dedicated brand leadership while allowing Libby to focus even more fully on the broader portfolio, our overarching strategy, and how we continue positioning J.Crew, J.Crew Factory and Madewell for long-term growth.”
