J.Crew Group Appoints Gena Smith as New Chief Human Resources Officer

J.Crew Group Welcomes Gena Smith as Chief Human Resources Officer

J.Crew Group, a leading name in American fashion, has announced the appointment of Gena Smith as its new Chief Human Resources Officer. With over two decades of experience in human capital strategy, talent management, and organizational development, Smith's arrival is seen as a significant boost for the company's HR leadership.

In her new role, Smith will oversee all human resources operations at J.Crew, focusing on key areas such as talent acquisition, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and overall organizational effectiveness. Based in New York, she will report directly to Libby Wadle, the Chief Executive Officer of J.Crew Group.

Before joining J.Crew, Smith served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at LVMH North America. During her time there, she held various senior positions, including Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Head of Global Executive and Creative Recruitment. Her extensive background in the fashion and retail industries positions her as a dynamic leader capable of aligning people strategies with business objectives.

Libby Wadle expressed excitement about Smith's appointment, highlighting the essential nature of their people to the success of J.Crew Group. Wadle stated, "I am delighted to welcome Gena to our team. She is a dynamic leader with deep expertise in aligning people strategies with business goals in creative-led organizations. Her proven ability to build high-performing teams and foster inclusive, creative cultures will be a powerful asset as we continue to grow J.Crew Group."

Gena Smith's involvement goes beyond J.Crew; she actively contributes to the broader fashion and design community. Currently, she serves on the Board of Governors for the Fashion Scholarship Fund and Parsons School of Design, and is also a member of the Board of Directors for Gabriela Hearst. In her own words, Smith stated, "I've long admired J.Crew Group's distinct voice and enduring influence in American style. I'm excited to join at such a pivotal time for the company and to partner with the leadership team to continue building a purpose-driven culture that attracts, empowers, and retains top talent."

Before her tenure at LVMH, Smith held roles at Karen Harvey Consulting Group as Global Managing Director, where she specialized in advising luxury and fashion brands on executive placements and organizational design. Additionally, her previous experience at Russell Reynolds Associates and Ray Berndtson focused on talent strategy, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Gena Smith is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a degree in International Business. Her wealth of knowledge and experience will undoubtedly play a crucial role at J.Crew, particularly as the company aims to advance its goals and innovate within the retail landscape.

J.Crew Group, well-known for its iconic brands J.Crew and Madewell, is celebrated for its unique approach to design, quality craftsmanship, and customer experience. The company operates 117 J.Crew retail stores, 158 Madewell locations, and 375 J.Crew Factory stores across the U.S., supported by a strong e-commerce platform, offering a vibrant shopping experience for a diverse customer base. This new appointment is seen as a strategic step towards further enhancing its growth and commitment to excellence across its operations.