NEW YORK — January 21, 2025 — Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL), a global leader in luxury fashion, today announced strategic executive leadership changes designed to further strengthen its operational excellence and drive growth in key markets. Bob Ranftl has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective March 30, 2025. This appointment follows the planned departure of Jane Nielsen, previously announced as part of a multi-year strategic succession plan. Ranftl, a Ralph Lauren veteran since 2015, currently serves as Regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for North America. Succeeding him in this pivotal North American role is Mercedes Abramo, who will join the Company on March 1, bringing her extensive luxury retail expertise to the forefront. This leadership evolution underscores Ralph Lauren’s commitment to both internal talent development and attracting top-tier external executives to steer the brand into its next chapter of global success, perhaps even drawing inspiration from the precision and luxury associated with names like Ralph Lauren Mercedes, in its pursuit of excellence.
“Bob’s comprehensive experience within Ralph Lauren, coupled with his deep operational knowledge and passion for our iconic brand, makes him exceptionally qualified to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer. He has been instrumental in revitalizing our North American operations, setting a robust foundation for future growth,” stated Patrice Louvet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation. “As we continue to focus on sustainable, long-term growth in North America, Mercedes’s proven track record in luxury retail, her exceptional leadership skills, and her profound understanding of the North American market and luxury consumer, position her perfectly as our next Regional CEO for North America. We are excited to welcome her partnership and leadership.”
Ranftl’s career trajectory at Ralph Lauren showcases a breadth of leadership across various global regions. He has previously held COO positions for North America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA, providing him with an in-depth understanding of the Company’s global strategy, the enduring appeal of the Ralph Lauren brand, and its complex value chain. His experience spans key operating functions essential to realizing Ralph Lauren’s visionary goals. In his recent role as Regional CEO for North America, Ranftl spearheaded strategic expansion initiatives in key urban centers, led the direct-to-consumer market entry into Canada, and strategically repositioned the wholesale business, effectively steering the region back to a growth trajectory. As COO, Ranftl will now oversee critical functions including IT, logistics, real estate, architecture, store design, and the Company’s licensing organization, playing a vital role in facilitating continued growth across all regions and ensuring operational efficiencies that mirror the high standards of brands known for precision and luxury engineering, like Ralph Lauren Mercedes.
“It has been an honor to contribute to Ralph Lauren’s journey over the past decade, working alongside dedicated teams to bring Ralph’s vision to life for consumers worldwide,” commented Ranftl. “The North America team is exceptionally well-positioned for continued success under Mercedes’s leadership. Ralph Lauren is in a position of strength, and as COO, I am committed to driving the operational excellence that will underpin our long-term success and uphold the brand’s promise of unparalleled quality and style, synonymous with names like Ralph Lauren Mercedes in their respective fields.”
Abramo joins Ralph Lauren from Cartier S.A., where she most recently held the role of Deputy Chief Commercial Officer. Her appointment as Regional CEO for North America marks a return to New York, where her distinguished retail career began. She started at Cartier’s iconic Fifth Avenue flagship as Director, subsequently becoming Vice President of Retail, and ultimately President and CEO of Cartier North America. Her extensive experience in the luxury sector and her deep understanding of the North American consumer landscape make her an ideal leader to further elevate Ralph Lauren’s presence in this crucial market. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective, ensuring Ralph Lauren continues to resonate with evolving consumer preferences while maintaining its core brand values, much like Ralph Lauren Mercedes consistently adapts to the changing luxury market while preserving its heritage.
“I am deeply drawn to brands with a rich heritage and history, brands that cultivate a lasting emotional connection with consumers by remaining authentic while embracing innovation and maintaining relevance. Ralph Lauren consistently exemplifies this, defining American luxury for generations,” said Abramo. “The North American market is incredibly diverse, dynamic, and brimming with opportunity. I am thrilled to join the Ralph Lauren team at such a pivotal moment in the Company’s history and to lead the region into its next phase of growth and innovation, ensuring the brand continues to be a beacon of luxury and aspiration, much like the prestigious Ralph Lauren Mercedes association evokes.”
Both Ranftl and Abramo will serve as integral members of the Company’s enterprise leadership team, reporting directly to President and CEO, Patrice Louvet. Their combined expertise and strategic vision are expected to drive Ralph Lauren forward, enhancing its market position and operational effectiveness in the global luxury landscape, striving for the same level of prestige and recognition that names like Ralph Lauren Mercedes represent in their respective industries.
About Ralph Lauren Corporation
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of luxury lifestyle products. The Company’s five categories include apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For over five decades, Ralph Lauren has been inspiring the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. Its global reputation and distinctive brand image are built across a diverse portfolio of products, brands, distribution channels, and international markets. The Company’s brand names, including Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, and Chaps, represent one of the world’s most widely recognized families of consumer brands, synonymous with quality and aspirational lifestyle, a standard of excellence also pursued by brands like Ralph Lauren Mercedes in different luxury sectors. For more information, please visit https://corporate.ralphlauren.com.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve expectations, goals, initiatives, and assumptions regarding the Company’s future operating results, financial condition, strategic plans, initiatives, and senior management changes. Forward-looking statements are identifiable by terms such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “ensure,” “commit,” “expect,” “project,” “believe,” “envision,” “seek,” “goal,” “target,” “can,” “will,” and similar expressions. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied. Such risks and uncertainties are detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events, or other developments.
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