L Brands names Martin Waters CEO of Victoria's Secret

27 Nov '20

3 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

L Brands has announced several key leadership appointments at Victoria’s Secret. Effective immediately, Martin Waters was named chief executive officer of Victoria’s Secret Lingerie, replacing John Mehas, who has served in the role since February 2019. Waters will report to Stuart Burgdoerfer, interim CEO of Victoria’s Secret and CFO of L Brands.

Laura Miller was named chief human resources officer of Victoria’s Secret; Becky Behringer was promoted to executive vice president of North America store sales and operations; and Janie Schaffer was named chief design officer of Victoria’s Secret Lingerie. Waters joined L Brands in 2008 as head of the international division.

Under Waters’ leadership, the international business has expanded from the early phases of incubation to more than 700 stores globally. Prior to his role with L Brands, Waters was managing director for Boots International, Europe’s leading health and beauty retailer. Waters also has significant experience in strategic planning, merchandising, planning and allocation, brand management, marketing and supply chain operations, according to a press release by L Brands.

Miller has more than 30 years of human resources experience working in a variety of roles in large global organisations. She most recently served as the CHRO of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Previously, she served as CHRO for ADT, as well as Coca Cola refreshments, and held a variety of HR roles at the Raytheon company. Miller has a degree in industrial and labour relations from Cornell University.

Behringer joined Victoria’s Secret in 2002. Her most recent role was senior vice president of store operations at Victoria’s Secret, where she oversaw the business’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the North American stores organisation was able to quickly close, then methodically re-open stores in a phased approach, implementing industry-leading health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of 35,000+ associates and customers.
Previously, Behringer served in a number of field leadership roles, from store manager to regional manager, across Victoria’s Secret.

Schaffer has more than 30 years of specialty retail experience and is a recognised expert in the intimates world. She previously served as director of lingerie and beauty at Marks and Spencer, a leading British retailer. From 2008 to 2012, she served as head of design for Victoria’s Secret Lingerie, a period of rapid growth in the brand’s best-at and win-at categories. Prior to joining Victoria’s Secret in 2008, Schaffer founded and then sold UK-based lingerie brand Knickerbox.

“The board and I are thrilled by the appointments of these talented leaders with demonstrated records of execution. Waters is an experienced retail executive who has led our international business for the past 12 years. He is an exceptional leader and is widely respected both within and outside of our business. Miller brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of CHRO, combined with a passion for helping people reach their full potential. Behringer’s deep knowledge of our stores organisation and the customer will help us deliver success as we approach the holiday season and beyond. Schaffer is a proven leader with a record of creating and re-positioning brands and growing profitable sales across international markets,” Sarah Nash, chair of L Brands’ board of directors said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)

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