Dive Brief:
In a flurry of personnel changes announced concurrently with the company s holiday sales results, Urban Outfitters Group on Tuesday said that CEO Trish Donnelly is leaving the company to pursue a new career opportunity, according to a company press release. Donnelly s last day is Jan. 31.
Sheila Harrington, who will continue operating as the CEO of Free People Group, will replace Donnelly as CEO of the Urban Outfitters Group. Harrington previously worked with Gap and Bloomingdales.
Gabrielle Conforti, currently the chief merchandising officer for the Urban Outfitters brand, has been promoted to president of Urban Outfitters North America. Emma Wisden will continue as the managing director of Urban Outfitters Europe and will also lead the Urban Outfitters brand wholesale business. Both Conforti and Wisden will report to Harrington.
US retailer Urban Outfitters is shaking up its management as Trish Donnelly prepares to step down as CEO of its namesake brand at the end of the month to pursue a new career opportunity.
Following Donelly s departure on 31 January, Free People boss Sheila Harrington will become CEO for both Urban Outfitters Group and Free People Group.
In addition, Gabrielle Conforti, currently the chief merchandising officer for the Urban Outfitters brand, has been promoted to president, Urban Outfitters North America, while Emma Wisden will continue as managing director, Urban Outfitters Europe, and will lead the Urban Outfitters brand wholesale business. Both Conforti and Wisden will report to Harrington.