J.Crew Group appoints new chief human resources officer

J.Crew Group, a celebrated New York-based portfolio of American lifestyle brands including J.Crew, Madewell, and J.Crew Factory, has named Gena Smith as its new Chief Human Resources Officer. Smith will oversee the company’s global HR strategy, covering talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement, inclusion, and organisational effectiveness across more than 650 retail locations and a robust e-commerce platform.

Smith brings over 20 years of executive experience in human capital strategy, talent management, and organisational design within the retail and fashion sectors. She joins from LVMH North America, where she served as Chief Human Resources Officer and held senior leadership roles in global executive and creative recruitment. Her expertise includes aligning people strategies with business objectives, fostering high-performing teams, and cultivating inclusive workplace cultures.

Prior to LVMH, Smith advised global fashion and luxury brands as Global Managing Director at Karen Harvey Consulting Group and held leadership roles at Russell Reynolds Associates and Ray Berndtson. She also contributes to the broader fashion community through positions on the Board of Governors for the Fashion Scholarship Fund and Parsons School of Design, as well as the Board of Directors for Gabriela Hearst.

Libby Wadle, CEO of J.Crew Group, highlighted Smith’s ability to drive purpose-led cultures and align workforce strategies with business growth. Smith emphasised her excitement to enhance J.Crew Group’s creative-led culture, strengthen talent pipelines, and support leadership in shaping the company’s next chapter of growth.

Explore how J.Crew Group is reshaping its workforce strategy and building an empowered HR function in the full story.