Ralph Lauren Names Christopher Conrad Next Chief Digital and Technology Officer
Christopher Conrad is taking on the responsibility of leading Ralph Lauren’s global technology and digital strategy and execution, per a LinkedIn post. As the next chief digital and technology officer, he will drive consumer-facing and internal digital transformation at the company.
He joins from Levi’s where he served as SVP and CIO. In that role, he oversaw technology functions, acquisitions, and divestitures and helped develop a unified direct-to-consumer platform integrated within a single cloud ERP architecture to standardize and streamline processes.
In addition, he helped deploy gen AI to 500-plus desktops and mobile devices within the organization as part of an effort to consolidate end-user and corporate computing, along with its data center.
[Canada Goose also recently hired for a similar role: chief digital and information officer.]
Conrad brings over 30 years of retail and CPG tech and supply chain experience. He was previously the global CIO of Billabong Group and VP of enterprise and global supply chain technology at lululemon. Prior to that, he was the senior director of global e-commerce and marketing at American Eagle Outfitters and spent a decade at L Brands, which once owned both Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works, as its director of information technology.
“Collaborating with Ralph Lauren’s incredible digital and technology teams, we’re poised for innovation and growth. Our mission — to scale the company to new heights while maintaining our legacy of excellence," Conrad posted on LinkedIn.
Ralph Lauren’s Digital Transformation Journey
Conrad takes over for Janet Sherlock, who joined the company in 2017, first as its CIO. On LinkedIn, Sherlock announced she would be retiring from Ralph Lauren in September, moving on to an advisory role to guide companies on how they can enhance effectiveness and profitability through organizational design and structure — the focus of her recently completed doctorate.
“Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, from our award-winning digital flagship site to creating unique consumer experiences and driving digital growth,” she said about her work with Ralph Lauren’s global digital and technology teams. “I am especially proud of our leadership position in AI and gen AI strategy, utilization, and governance. Our advancements in every area of technology across the company have been truly transformational.”
The company’s AI work has included strengthened analytics capabilities to improve inventory management operations, with pilots in predictive buying models in Asia and Europe. Conrad will be able to transfer his knowledge in supply chain overhauls, having implemented digital twin logistics with control towers at Levi’s.
Also, Conrad’s experience in ERP overhauls will prove useful as the company recently invested in a global ERP system to support its focus on selling direct-to-consumer. Ralph Lauren will also be implementing integrated business planning tools and enhanced logistics automation to support growth efforts.
