Ralph Lauren appoints Howard Smith as President EMEA

By

Marion Deslandes

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
Sep 1, 2017

Ralph Lauren is in the midst of a senior management reshuffle, as it attempts to shore up its declining sales. Howard Smith, formerly in charge of the US label's Asia-Pacific region, has now taken over responsibility for EMEA.

Smith has replaced Geoffroy Van Raemdonck, who held the post since 2014. The latter has not left Ralph Lauren, and was appointed group President in charge of commercial development and expansion strategy. He is based in the USA.

Last July, Patrice Louvet took overall charge of Ralph Lauren as CEO. The former Procter & Gamble director is engaged in deploying the 'Way Forward' plan, designed to put the US group back on a profitable course. A recovery that will take time, as Ralph Lauren is expecting a revenue decline between 8% and 9% for its 2017-18 fiscal year.