Ralph Lauren appoints Angela Ahrendts as lead independent director
Ralph Lauren Corporation has approved the appointment of Angela Ahrendts as new lead independent director.
Having served on the Ralph Lauren board since 2018, she is currently the finance committee chair and a member of the nominating, governance, and sustainability committee.
The appointment will be effective on 31 July following the company’s annual meeting of shareholders.
Ahrendts will succeed Hubert Joly who is not seeking re-election to the company’s board of directors. He was appointed to the board in June 2009 and has served as lead independent director since 2021.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer, said: “Hubert has been an integral part of our board and has been instrumental in guiding and supporting our strategy, while embodying the passion and dedication that define our brand. We are grateful for his unwavering support and thoughtful leadership as well as the care he has shown for our company and our teams.
“Angela has consistently offered valuable guidance and brought her perspective as a respected innovator in the industry. We look forward to continuing to benefit from her leadership and contributions as our new lead independent director.”
Ahrendts served as the senior vice president of retail at Apple Inc. from 2014 to 2019. Prior to that, she was chief executive of Burberry and also previously served as executive vice president at Liz Claiborne, president of Donna Karan International, and as a member of the UK Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council.
With Joly’s departure, the Ralph Lauren board will be comprised of 11 directors.
Patrice Louvet, Ralph Lauren president and chief executive, said: “We are proud to have a Board comprised of deep, unique and differentiated experiences, all of which continue to contribute to our strength and durability as a business.
“I am grateful for Hubert’s guidance over the years, particularly in helping drive our company’s performance and transformation and I look forward to working closely with Angela in her expanded role.”
