Ralph Lauren
US luxury fashion group Ralph Lauren Corp has appointed Ryan Lally to the newly created role of Chief Brand Communications Officer.
In his new role, Ryan Lally will continue to advance the group’s integrated global brand communications strategy, overseeing fashion, brand, home and lifestyle communications, talent and entertainment partnerships, as well as brand experiences and events. He will continue to report to David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer.
Ryan Lally has been with Ralph Lauren for more than 20 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Global Public Relations and Brand Communications. Throughout his tenure, he has helped bring the brand’s vision to life through cultural moments, cross-industry collaborations, brand experiences and storytelling. In his new position, he will work with cross-functional teams to strengthen the industry influence, cultural relevance and desirability of the group’s brands and product categories worldwide.
Bergdorf Goodman
US luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman has appointed Lanessa Elrod as President.
Lanessa Elrod will succeed Tracy Margolies, who will transition to the role of Executive Advisor at parent company Exemplar Luxury Group.
Before returning to Bergdorf Goodman, Lanessa Elrod served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton Americas, overseeing all of the brand’s operations in the US, Canada and Latin America.
Early in her career, Lanessa Elrod worked at several retail brands within Exemplar Luxury Group. She was a ready-to-wear buyer at Neiman Marcus from 1997 to 2003, worked at Saks Fifth Avenue from 2003 to 2005, and served as Senior Buyer for Handbags and Accessories at Bergdorf Goodman from 2005 to 2010. She subsequently joined Louis Vuitton, where she spent nearly 14 years in various roles, ultimately rising to President and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton Americas before leaving in May 2024.
Louis Vuitton
French luxury brand Louis Vuitton, part of LVMH, has appointed Francesco Viana as Zone President, EMEA, overseeing its business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Drawing on his teams’ expertise and building on the brand’s established direction, he will further strengthen Louis Vuitton’s desirability across the region.
Francesco Viana previously spent four years at fellow LVMH brand Loro Piana, serving as Managing Director, EMEA, from 2022.
A graduate of Italy’s Bocconi University, Francesco Viana has built an international career in the luxury industry spanning finance, commercial operations and management. Earlier in his career, he held management positions at brands including Christian Dior Couture and Valentino.
Hearst
US media giant Hearst has appointed Juliana Stock as President of Hearst Magazines.
Juliana Stock will succeed Debi Chirichella, who will become Chair of Hearst Magazines.
Above: Juliana Stock, Debi Chirichella
Juliana Stock and Debi Chirichella will both report to Steven R. Swartz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hearst, and Jordan Wertlieb, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hearst.
Juliana Stock has spent more than 13 years at Hearst-owned broadcaster A+E Global Media. Since July 2025, she has served as President of Marketing and Digital, overseeing trade and global consumer marketing, digital strategy and audience growth initiatives across its entire brand portfolio, including A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, FYI and LMN. Previously, she held senior marketing and product development positions at fellow media giant Condé Nast.
Debi Chirichella has served as President of Hearst Magazines since 2020, continuing to expand its brand licensing business worldwide during her tenure. She joined the group in 2011 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Earlier in her career, she held management positions at Condé Nast, Primedia and Prometheus Global Media.
The RealReal
US luxury resale platform The RealReal has appointed Alexis Hoopes as Chief Merchandising Officer.
In her new role, Alexis Hoopes will lead the company’s merchandising strategy, focusing on strengthening its luxury assortment, enhancing personalised product discovery and unlocking new growth opportunities through technology, data and her experience in global marketplace operations.
Alexis Hoopes previously served as Vice President and General Manager of Global Fashion at US e-commerce platform eBay. Before that, she was Senior Vice President of E-commerce at toy giant Mattel, where she built the company’s direct-to-consumer business, launched two digital commerce platforms and integrated American Girl’s e-commerce operations.
Earlier in her career, Alexis Hoopes spent nearly 15 years at luxury department store Nordstrom, holding various management positions spanning merchandising, strategy, e-commerce and business planning.
| Sources: Official press releases, personal social media accounts
| Image Credit: Official press releases, personal social media accounts
| Editor: Luxeplace
