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Marla A Ryan named CEO of Destination Maternity
07 Jun '18
2 min read
Courtesy: Destination Maternity
Marla A Ryan has been named chief executive officer of Destination Maternity, the largest designer and retailer of maternity apparel, by the company’s board. Ryan replaces Melissa Payner-Gregor, who served as an interim CEO since January 2018 and director of the company since August 2009. Payner-Gregor is exiting the company to pursue other opportunities.
“I am honoured to take on the leadership of Destination Maternity and its iconic brand portfolio including Motherhood and A Pea in the Pod,” said Ryan. “It is an exciting time for the company as we embark on important efforts to unlock Destination Maternity’s full potential, with a focus on performance and improving shareholder value. I look forward to working closely with the board and all our employees to implement a comprehensive and attainable business plan geared toward accelerating revenue growth, rationalising expenses and improving our profitability.”
The newly appointed independent chair of the board of directors, Anne-Charlotte Windal, said, “The entire board is confident in Marla’s experience and ability, and will work closely with her to drive growth, increase sales and help return the company to its historic success and profitability. We believe that Marla is the ideal leader to drive immediate change at Destination Maternity.”
Ryan brings more than 25 years of experience in branded apparel and retail, as well as extensive experience consulting to Fortune 500 companies. Ryan is also the founder and chief executive officer of Lola Advisors, a business consultancy working in the apparel, beauty and wellness sectors. Prior to founding Lola Advisors, Ryan was employed by Lands’ End from 2009 through 2017, most recently serving as senior vice president of Retail. Ryan managed the Retail business unit, including Lands’ End shops at Sears, retail and outlet stores, and served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. From 2009 to 2012, Ryan held various senior positions at Lands’ End, including senior vice president of Global Omni-Merchandising and vice president of Retail.
From 2002 to 2009, Ryan served in various senior positions at J Crew, including vice president of Crewcuts, J Crew’s children’s apparel division. Prior to that, she served in various merchandising and management roles at Brooks Brothers, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch and The Gap. (SV)
“I am honoured to take on the leadership of Destination Maternity and its iconic brand portfolio including Motherhood and A Pea in the Pod,” said Ryan. “It is an exciting time for the company as we embark on important efforts to unlock Destination Maternity’s full potential, with a focus on performance and improving shareholder value. I look forward to working closely with the board and all our employees to implement a comprehensive and attainable business plan geared toward accelerating revenue growth, rationalising expenses and improving our profitability.”
The newly appointed independent chair of the board of directors, Anne-Charlotte Windal, said, “The entire board is confident in Marla’s experience and ability, and will work closely with her to drive growth, increase sales and help return the company to its historic success and profitability. We believe that Marla is the ideal leader to drive immediate change at Destination Maternity.”
Ryan brings more than 25 years of experience in branded apparel and retail, as well as extensive experience consulting to Fortune 500 companies. Ryan is also the founder and chief executive officer of Lola Advisors, a business consultancy working in the apparel, beauty and wellness sectors. Prior to founding Lola Advisors, Ryan was employed by Lands’ End from 2009 through 2017, most recently serving as senior vice president of Retail. Ryan managed the Retail business unit, including Lands’ End shops at Sears, retail and outlet stores, and served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. From 2009 to 2012, Ryan held various senior positions at Lands’ End, including senior vice president of Global Omni-Merchandising and vice president of Retail.
From 2002 to 2009, Ryan served in various senior positions at J Crew, including vice president of Crewcuts, J Crew’s children’s apparel division. Prior to that, she served in various merchandising and management roles at Brooks Brothers, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch and The Gap. (SV)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India
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