Lululemon adds former Kmart exec to leadership team
Lululemon has appointed Tara Poseley as the company’s chief product officer. In this role, Poseley will oversee the company’s global merchandising and design strategy, working hand in hand with its design team including Deanne Schweitzer, SVP and head of women’s design, and Felix Del Toro, SVP and head of men’s design.
Poseley, who will be reporting to CEO Christine Day, will be responsible for merchandising, inventory, allocation and strategic planning.
"Tara brings tremendous experience in merchandising and product execution that will greatly enhance the leadership team and increase the level of sophistication with which we approach the merchandising function. In addition, her proven track record in product allocation and planning will help us to maximize the productivity of each Lululemon store. Tara checks all of the skill boxes and will be a great cultural fit and the team looks forward to working closely with her,” said Day. “With Tara as chief product officer and Jennifer Battersby having accepted the role of SVP of sourcing, we have greatly fortified our product engine and execution capabilities, an investment in the business that will pay dividends as we pursue new growth opportunities.”
Poseley has 25 years of experience in strategic product development, merchandising and brand management for both large-scale and entrepreneurial businesses, running apparel, accessories, men’s, women’s and children’s categories. She most recently served as president of Kmart Apparel, a multichannel, multi-category business with several billion in revenue, at which she was responsible for the revitalization of Kmart Apparel and the launch of several new product collections to attract a younger and multi-cultural customer. Previously, she held the position of interim president at Bebe Stores, president of Disney Stores North America (The Children’s Place) and CEO of Design Within Reach (DWR). Poseley also held a range of senior merchandising and design management positions during her 15-year tenure at Gap.
“On behalf of the board, we are thrilled that Tara will be joining the Lululemon family,” added Chip Wilson, founder and chairman of the board. “We believe that her passion for athletics and product combined with her experience in the vertical apparel business will fit perfectly in the Lululemon culture. These strengths will serve her well as she inspires our design team to continue pushing the envelope when it comes to the design, fit and function of our product.”