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Dive Brief:
- Vuori has tapped Karen Riley-Grant as its next chief marketing officer effective Jan. 22, according to a press release shared with Retail Dive. She will report directly to founder and CEO Joe Kudla.
- Riley-Grant will be responsible for the overall marketing division, including “overseeing the creative development and execution for all marketing across retail, brand, eComm, wholesale and digital,” per the release. The departure of Nikki Larson Sakelliou as its CMO comes as the executive looks to spend more time with her family, the company said via email.
- Riley-Grant previously worked for over six years at Levi Strauss & Co. in various leadership positions, most recently serving as chief marketing officer until March, per the executive’s LinkedIn profile. She also previously worked in marketing roles at Converse.
Dive Insight:
Vuori’s new CMO joins at a time of pivotal growth for the brand.
“In addition to a twenty-five-year plus track record of proven experience in the retail industry, Karen brings to Vuori an incredible understanding and passion for developing iconic brands,” Kudla said in a statement. “As we continue to rise to meet the exciting opportunities that exist for Vuori, it’s equally important we continue to nurture our vision to connect with our community in authentic and unique ways with a message of positivity and possibility. Karen will play a critical role in our continued evolution, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to our incredible, growing team.”
Vuori has bet big on physical retail, with the company embarking on a plan to open 100 stores by 2026.
In November, Vuori opened a 3,758-square-foot store in Washington D.C.’s popular Georgetown neighborhood. That same month the company announced plans to open locations in Manhasset, New York; Southlake, Texas; and Aventura, Florida. And earlier this month Vuori opened its second New York City store on the city’s Upper East Side.
Riley-Grant’s appointment also comes as the retail industry has seen several chief marketing officer changes lately.
Peloton recently named Lauren Weinberg as its new CMO about a week after Leslie Berland announced her resignation. Berland was in the position for less than a year. Direct-to-consumer bridal company Birdy Grey also tapped its first marketing head in November, bringing Tanya Hersh to the role. Macy’s that same month appointed Sharon Otterman as its new CMO. Additionally, True Religion, Wayfair and Target all brought on new chief marketers in July.
via https://www.aiupnow.com
Dani James, Khareem Sudlow
