J.Crew Group has appointed Julia Collier as CMO of its J. Crew brand, effective Jan. 6, according to a press release. Collier joins the retailer from Skims, the shapewear and apparel company co-founded by Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede and Jens Grede in 2019. She will oversee J. Crew’s brand marketing and inventive strategy, reporting directly to J. Crew Group CEO Libby Wadle and figuring out of New York. Collier replaces Derek Yarbrough, who acted as marketing chief of the J. Crew and Madewell brands until his departure from the business in January.
“In Julia, now we have found a distinguished marketing leader who brings a really perfect combination of name constructing expertise, fashion industry knowledge, and keenness for culturally-relevant marketing strategies that may drive even greater engagement,” Wadle said in a press statement. “Her versatile background, proven leadership capabilities, and forward-thinking approach will probably be a helpful addition to our team as we proceed to construct on our momentum.”
J. Crew CMO Julia Collier
Courtesy of J. Crew
The hire indicates J. Crew is looking for a marketing leader with experience on the disruptor side of the business. The executive joined Skims prior to its launch and built out a marketing organization of 40 employees during the last five years, together with spearheading key initiatives which have turned Skims into a classy name.
Collier last 12 months helped ink a multiyear sponsorship deal to make Skims the official underwear partner of the NBA, WNBA and USA Basketball, a move that followed the debut of the corporate’s first line of men’s clothing. She also oversaw Skims’ social media and influencer marketing functions and coordinated deals with celebrity ambassadors. Other Skims partnerships struck during Collier’s tenure include collaborations with Fendi, Swarovski and Dolce & Gabbana.
“She brings an in depth network of relationships and a relentless approach that enhances the world-class teams now we have built at J.Crew,” said Kevin Ulrich, chairman of J.Crew Group’s board of directors, in a press statement. “As the J.Crew brand enters its next chapter, Julia’s sense for what’s each current and authentic will speed up the expansion and relevance of the brand.”
Privately held J. Crew has made other adjustments to its marketing strategy this 12 months. In February, it appointed PMG as its media agency of record, looking for to leverage the Texas-based shop’s data-driven platform, Alli.
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