NEW YORK, Aug 26, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) today announced that Lance Isham, Vice Chairman of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, will retire from the Company in March 2004.
“During the past 22 years, Lance made many invaluable and important contributions to the growth and development of our Company,” said Ralph Lauren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “He most recently led the integration and development of our global business focusing on Europe and the establishment of our new headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Throughout his entire career with us, Lance has devoted his efforts to building a world-class company and enhancing the reach and power of our unique brand. He will truly be missed.”
Mr. Isham joined Polo Ralph Lauren in 1981 as a sales representative based in Chicago. Over the next five years he held a series of more senior sales positions leading to his appointment as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations in 1987. In 1988, he became Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. In 1992, Mr. Isham was promoted to Executive Vice President of Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Company and in 1995 he assumed the position of President and Chief Operating Officer of that company. In 1998, he was appointed Corporate President and added the title of Chief Operating Officer in 1999. He moved to the role of Vice Chairman in 2000 and was elected to the Company's Board of Directors.
Brian Duffy, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polo Europe will continue to have responsibility for all Polo Europe's day-to-day operations and will now report directly to Roger Farah, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation. Mr. Duffy is based in the Company's European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For 35 years, Polo's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include “Polo”, “Polo by Ralph Lauren”, “Ralph Lauren Purple Label”, “Polo Sport”, “Ralph Lauren”, “RALPH”, “Blue Label”, “Lauren”, “Polo Jeans Co.”, “RL”, “Chaps”, and “Club Monaco” among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. For more information, go to http://investor.polo.com.