Ralph Lauren appoints new COO and Regional CEO

By Bobby Samwell • Tuesday, January 21 15:25 • Permanent Link

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) has announced significant enterprise leadership changes, including the appointment of Bob Ranftl as Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective March 30, 2025. Ranftl has been with Ralph Lauren since 2015 and has held various financial and commercial roles within the company. He currently serves as the Regional CEO for North America and will be succeeded in this role by Mercedes Abramo, who will join the company on March 1.

Under Ranftl's leadership as the Regional CEO for North America, strategic expansion across key cities, direct-to-consumer entry into the Canadian market, and strategic repositioning of wholesale activities have put the region back on a path for growth. As COO, Ranftl will oversee IT, logistics, real estate, architecture, store design, and the company’s licensing organization.

Mercedes Abramo, who joins Ralph Lauren from Cartier S.A., where she most recently served as Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, will take on the role of Regional CEO for North America. She brings extensive luxury retail and people leadership experience and a deep understanding of the market and consumer.

Ralph Lauren Corporation's President and CEO, Patrice Louvet, expressed confidence in the new appointments, highlighting Ranftl's global experience and operational background, as well as Abramo's proven luxury retail and people leadership. Both Ranftl and Abramo will serve as members of the company’s enterprise leadership team, reporting to Patrice Louvet.

Ralph Lauren Corporation, a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of luxury lifestyle products, has been seeking to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style for more than 50 years. The company's brand names include Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren, and others, which are among the world’s most widely recognized families of consumer brands. As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved 2.7% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $246.94. For the full picture, make sure to review Ralph Lauren's 8-K report.

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