“With his global Ralph Lauren experience, extensive operational background and deep love for our brand, Bob is uniquely qualified to serve as our next Chief Operating Officer after laying strong foundations that pivoted North America to growth,” said Patrice Louvet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation. “As we progress on our path toward long-term, sustainable growth in North America, Mercedes’s proven luxury retail and people leadership, and her deep understanding of the market and consumer, make her a natural choice to be our next Regional CEO for North America. Ralph and I look forward to her partnership and leadership.”
Ralph Lauren Corporation appoints Bob Ranftl as COO effective 30 March 2025, succeeding Jane Nielsen.
Ranftl, a company veteran, will oversee IT, logistics, and licensing, among others.
Mercedes Abramo joins as Regional CEO for North America, succeeding Ranftl.
Abramo, formerly of Cartier, will focus on growth in the dynamic North American market.
Both will report to CEO Patrice Louvet.
Ranftl has held successive leadership roles at Ralph Lauren across multiple regions including as COO of North America, Asia Pacific and EMEA, bringing deep understanding of the Company’s strategy, brand, and value chain, and how key operating functions enable the business to deliver Ralph’s vision. In his most recent role as Regional CEO for North America, Ranftl oversaw strategic expansion across key cities, direct-to-consumer entry into the Canadian market, and strategic repositioning of wholesale, putting the region back on a path for growth. As COO, Ranftl will oversee IT, logistics, real estate, architecture, and store design, as well as the Company’s licensing organization, and will play a key role in enabling continued growth in the regions.
“Over the past 10 years, it has been a privilege to work with our teams to bring Ralph’s vision to life for consumers in different markets around the world,” said Ranftl. “The North America team has set the foundation for the region’s bright future ahead under Mercedes’s leadership. The Company is in a strong position, and as COO, I look forward to driving the operational excellence that will help enable long-term success.”
Abramo joins Ralph Lauren from Cartier S.A., where she most recently served as Deputy Chief Commercial Officer. In her role as Regional CEO for North America, Abramo returns to New York, where her retail leadership career began, starting as Director of Cartier’s Fifth Avenue flagship, before becoming Vice President of Retail and then President and CEO of Cartier North America.
“I am deeply inspired by brands that have rich history and heritage, and that create a lifelong emotional connection with their consumers by staying true to who they are while innovating and maintaining relevance. Time and time again, Ralph Lauren has achieved this, helping to define American luxury,” said Abramo. “The North American market is incredibly diverse, dynamic and full of opportunity. I am proud to join the team at one of the most exciting times in the Company’s history and to help lead the region in its next stage of growth.”
Ranftl and Abramo will serve as members of the Company’s enterprise leadership team, reporting to Patrice Louvet.
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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)