Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) today announced Ken Pilot has joined the Company as President, Factory Stores and Retail Concept Development effective immediately. Mr. Pilot will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of factory outlet stores worldwide, and for the development of future retail concepts. Part of Mr. Pilot's responsibilities will replace those of James Gundell, who recently left Polo Ralph Lauren to pursue other opportunities.
Mr. Pilot reports directly to Bridget Ryan Berman, Group President of Polo Ralph Lauren Retail worldwide. ''Ken is a seasoned retail professional with a strong background in merchandising, operations and marketing. As we continue the expansion and growth of our worldwide retail business, Ken's expertise will add strategic strength to the Polo Ralph Lauren retail management team and I look forward to working with him,'' commented Bridget Ryan Berman.
Mr. Pilot most recently held the position of Chief Executive Officer at J. Crew, where he was responsible for delivering sales and profit growth for retail stores, catalog and internet business. Mr. Pilot has extensive global experience from his 13 years with Gap, Inc., where he held a variety of merchandising leadership roles, including President of Gap International, President of Gap Global and Senior Vice President of Gap Outlet and New Business Development. During Mr. Pilot's tenure at Gap Inc. he was responsible for sales of the Gap brand in the United States, Europe, Japan and Canada.