USA 
United Kingdom
J.Crew Group has named Gena Smith as Chief Human Resources Officer, expanding its leadership team with a seasoned HR executive from the fashion and retail sector.
Based in New York, Smith will oversee talent acquisition, inclusion, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Libby Wadle.
Background in fashion and talent leadership
Smith arrives from LVMH North America, where she held the same title and earlier led global executive and creative recruitment. Her career spans more than twenty years in human capital strategy and organizational design.
Before LVMH, she served as Global Managing Director at Karen Harvey Consulting Group, advising fashion and luxury clients on leadership and structure. Her earlier roles at Russell Reynolds Associates and Ray Berndtson focused on recruitment and talent planning across the consumer and retail sectors.
Leadership vision
“The strength of our people and the value they bring to our customers and stakeholders are fundamental to our success,” said Libby Wadle, CEO of J.Crew Group. “Gena is a dynamic leader with deep expertise in aligning people strategies with business goals. Her proven ability to build high-performing, inclusive teams will be a powerful asset as we continue to grow J.Crew Group.”
Smith said she looks forward to the challenge of building a new culture at J. Crew: “I’ve long admired J.Crew’s distinct voice and enduring influence in American style. I’m excited to partner with the leadership team to build a purpose-driven culture that attracts, empowers, and retains top talent.”
Beyond her executive roles, Smith serves on the Board of Governors for the Fashion Scholarship Fund and Parsons School of Design, and sits on the Board of Directors for Gabriela Hearst.
