Bob Ranftl has been appointed chief operating officer of Ralph Lauren Corp., effective March 30.
He succeeds Jane Nielsen, whose departure was previously revealed as part of a multiyear strategic succession plan.
Ranftl, who joined Ralph Lauren in 2015 and has handled multiple financial and commercial roles, is currently the regional chief executive officer for North America. He will be succeeded in that role by Mercedes Abramo, who will join the company on March 1.
“With his global Ralph Lauren experience, extensive operational background and deep love for our brand, Bob is uniquely qualified to serve as our next chief operating officer, after laying strong foundations that pivoted North America to growth,” said Patrice Louvet, president and CEO of Ralph Lauren. “As we progress on our path toward long-term, sustainable growth in North America, Mercedes’ proven luxury retail and people leadership, and her deep understanding of the market and consumer, make her a natural choice to be our next regional CEO for North America. Ralph and I look forward to her partnership and leadership.”
As reported last May, Justin Picicci was promoted to chief financial officer after a multiyear succession plan. Picicci picked up the title from Nielsen, who was to remain chief operating officer through fiscal 2025 (year ending March 29, 2025).
Nielsen joined Ralph Lauren as CFO in 2016 and was elevated to executive vice president, chief operating officer and CFO in 2019. Before joining Lauren, she was executive vice president and CFO of Coach Inc., and senior vice president and CFO of PepsiCo.
Ranftl has held successive leadership roles at Ralph Lauren across multiple regions including as chief operating officer of North America; Asia Pacific; and Europe, Middle East and Africa; bringing deep understanding of the company’s strategy, brand and value chain, and how key operating functions enable the business to deliver Lauren’s vision, according to the company. In his most recent role as regional CEO for North America, Ranftl oversaw expansion across key cities, direct-to-consumer entry into the Canadian market, and repositioning of wholesale, putting the region back on a path for growth. As chief operating officer, he will oversee IT, logistics, real estate, architecture, and store design, as well as the company’s licensing organization.
“Over the past 10 years, it has been a privilege to work with our teams to bring Ralph’s vision to life for consumers in different markets around the world,” said Ranftl. “The North America team has set the foundation for the region’s bright future ahead under Mercedes’s leadership. The company is in a strong position, and as chief operating officer, I look forward to driving the operational excellence that will help enable long-term success.”
Abramo joins Ralph Lauren from Cartier S.A., where she was deputy chief commercial officer. In her new role as regional CEO for North America, Abramo returns to New York, where her retail leadership career began, starting as director of Cartier’s Fifth Avenue flagship, before becoming vice president of retail and then president and CEO of Cartier North America.
“I am deeply inspired by brands that have rich history and heritage, and that create a lifelong emotional connection with their consumers by staying true to who they are while innovating and maintaining relevance. Time and time again, Ralph Lauren has achieved this, helping to define American luxury,” said Abramo. “The North American market is incredibly diverse, dynamic and full of opportunity. I am proud to join the team at one of the most exciting times in the company’s history and to help lead the region in its next stage of growth.”
Ranftl and Abramo will serve as members of the company’s enterprise leadership team, reporting to Louvet.
Several executives at Ralph Lauren are also expanding their roles.
Halide Alagöz, chief product and merchandising officer, who currently leads the Polo, RRL, and Lauren brand teams, will also oversee Collection and Purple Label and brand image. She will oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle across the Ralph Lauren portfolio, from sourcing to store execution.
Ashley Potter will continue as regional CEO for EMEA and Emerging Markets and will also become chief lifestyle officer, overseeing the Ralph Lauren Home and hospitality categories, further integrating these offerings into the company’s commercial organization.
Shin Hwee Chua, who currently oversees the China and Southeast Asia markets, will expand her remit as regional CEO to lead the entire APAC region, including Japan, Korea, and Australia.
