Ralph Lauren appoints former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts as Lead Independent Director
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL), the iconic American luxury fashion house, has announced the appointment of Angela Ahrendts, former CEO of Burberry and ex-Apple executive, as its new Lead Independent Director, reinforcing its commitment to strong leadership and strategic innovation.
Ahrendts’ new role will become official following her re-election at Ralph Lauren’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for Thursday, July 31.
A Luxury Industry Veteran with Proven Global Expertise
Angela Ahrendts, a renowned figure in the luxury and technology sectors, brings decades of global leadership experience to Ralph Lauren. She has been a member of the company’s Board of Directors since August 2018, currently serving as Chair of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Nominating, Governance, and Sustainability Committee.
Her illustrious career includes a transformative tenure as CEO of Burberry from 2006 to 2013, where she revitalized the British fashion house and drove significant growth. Ahrendts later joined Apple Inc., where she served on the executive team as Senior Vice President of Retail and Online Stores, overseeing the tech giant’s global retail strategy until her departure in 2019.
Succeeding Hubert Joly: Honoring 16 Years of Strategic Leadership
Ahrendts will succeed Hubert Joly, who will retire from the board after 16 years of service. Joly, the former Best Buy CEO, joined the Ralph Lauren board in 2009 and became Lead Independent Director in 2021. He played a pivotal role in evolving the board’s diversity and governance, serving on both the Talent, Culture and Total Rewards Committee and the Finance Committee.
We are proud to have a board comprised of deep, unique, and differentiated experiences, all of which continue to contribute to our strength and durability as a business.
Patrice Louvet, President and CEO of Ralph Lauren Corporation.
