'Powerful asset' | J.Crew appoints new HR chief to align people strategy with business goals

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.