DM FASHION BOOK EXCLUSIVE: Valérie Hermann Exiting Ralph Lauren

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Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2019.

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Valérie Hermann, president of global brands at Ralph Lauren Corp., is leaving the firm.

The super talented and experienced executive had been in that role for nearly three years, having previously been the label’s global brand president of Luxury, Women’s Collections and World of Accessories. Hermann joined the iconic American brand in 2014 as president of Ralph Lauren Luxury Collections, overseeing Black Label, Purple Label, fine jewelry, eyewear, timepieces, handbags, RRL and fragrance. In her most recent role, Hermann had responsibility for all Lauren’s global brands, overseeing Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren, Chaps and Home.

According to a company statement, “Valerie Hermann has made the decision to step down from her role. We had an open dialogue about this, and together  agreed to transition the team she has successfully put in place to drive our brand strategy forward. Valerie has made a valuable impact on our business, strengthening our luxury capabilities and playing a critical role in our brand elevation strategy.”

Ralph Lauren, chairman and chief creative officer, said, “Valérie is a talented leader who has made many valuable contributions to our company. Those contributions came not only from her great experience and professionalism, but from her heart and her very special understanding of the values we have built over 50 years. I am grateful for her dedication, the very personal impact she has had and the meaningful friendship that we created and know will continue as she will always remain part of the Ralph Lauren family.”

Hermann added, “After six years, I have decided to step down from my position of president of Global Brands at Ralph Lauren. I leave with a great sense of accomplishment, having put in place a team that can continue the mission we are dedicated to. I want to thank Ralph for the trust he has placed in me – it has been an honor to work by his side and I will forever cherish the friendship we have built over the years. I also want to thank Patrice [Louvet, chief executive officer] for his leadership, partnership and support over the last two years.”

Prior to joining Ralph Lauren, Hermann was president and CEO of Reed Krakoff, having helped establish that business. Earlier, she was CEO of Yves Saint Laurent in Paris and before that was with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, where she was president of John Galliano and director of women’s ready-to-wear at Dior. She had also been president and CEO of Jacques Fath. Hermann started her career at the Comité Colbert, the Paris-based luxury goods trade association.

As reported, Hermann’s amended contract with Lauren, effective April 4, 2016, runs through July 1, 2020. Hermann’s total compensation for the 2019 fiscal year was $6.6 million, according to a filing with the SEC. If her employment is terminated for any reason whatsoever, she is unable to compete for one year, according to her employment agreement.

Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2019.

Photos Credit: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

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Donovan

Donovan is the CEO and Editor-In-Chief of www.dmfashionbook.com. For all general inquiries please email don@dmfashionbook.com Donovan has a BA in Journalism & Media Studies from the prestigious Rutgers University. He's currently studying entertainment and fashion law.