Former J. Crew exec new EVP, CMO at Cache
NEW YORK — Former J. Crew executive Arnold P. Cohen has been named EVP and CMO at Cache, a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores.
Cohen has more than 30 years of experience working with brands in management, creative and brand-building roles. The brands include J. Crew, Gucci USA, American Eagle Outfitters, Taryn Rose and DSW. Cohen is the founder and managing director of Raspberry Red, a consulting firm, focused on digital strategies and web marketing, assisting small and mid-sized companies with branding, merchandising, operations, finance and ecommerce. He also developed an early Internet/physical store concept Lyte backed by Western Development, AT&T and EDS. For the past eight years, he has been associated with American Eagle Outfitters as an executive and consultant leading the first mobile concept, creating the original concept that became Martin and Osa, as well as the “back on campus” initiative with a rollout to 50 colleges, including a strong social digital element.
Earlier in his career, Cohen created and directed all aspects of the store concept as the first employee of J.Crew. In addition to directing J.Crew’s store strategy, as president and COO, he led international development with licensing partnerships in Japan and France, as well as the opening of its direct sourcing office in Singapore. Revenue grew four times during his tenure.
“We are so pleased to have Arnie join our senior management team. His love of brand, brand positioning, taste, style, energy and overall marketing genius will be a huge addition to our team. Aligning marketing and online under one team with a clear omni-channel approach is an important step in reaching our long term goals,” said Cache chairman and CEO Jay Margolis.
“I am excited to join Jay and his team and take part in restoring the luster of Cache. I believe the scale and platform are just the right size to build upon and see significant potential for growth fueled by Jay’s vision to capitalize on Cache’s distinctive positioning and strong brand awareness with a customer proposition that is not currently served,” added Cohen.
Cache is a nationwide, mall-based specialty retailer of sportswear and social occasion dresses. It operates 249 stores, primarily situated in central locations in high traffic, upscale malls in 41 states, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.