Carolyn Ernst
Creative Talent Acquisition Lead, Ralph Lauren
New York, New York, United States
Professional Overview
Carolyn Ernst is an accomplished talent acquisition professional with over 20 years of experience in the retail and fashion industries. As the Creative Talent Acquisition Lead at Ralph Lauren, she is responsible for sourcing and attracting top creative talent to support the company's digital, marketing, visual, and store design initiatives. With a strong background in both human resources and creative sourcing, Carolyn brings a unique perspective to her role, helping to bridge the gap between business needs and creative talent.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Creative Talent Acquisition Lead at Ralph Lauren, Carolyn is responsible for developing and implementing strategic talent acquisition plans to support the company's creative teams. In this role, she oversees the full life cycle of the hiring process, from sourcing and screening to interviewing and onboarding. Carolyn's ability to identify and attract top creative talent has been instrumental in strengthening Ralph Lauren's design and marketing capabilities, contributing to the brand's continued success in a highly competitive industry.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Carolyn held various talent acquisition and human resources positions within the retail industry. She served as the Talent Acquisition Manager for Global Manufacturing and Sourcing at Ralph Lauren, where she played a key role in building a diverse and skilled workforce to support the company's global operations. Earlier in her career, Carolyn was the Creative Talent Acquisition Manager at Bloomingdale's, where she specialized in sourcing talent for the retailer's digital, marketing, visual, and store design teams. Her diverse background and extensive experience in the industry have provided Carolyn with a deep understanding of the unique talent needs within the fashion and retail sectors.
Academic Background
Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her academic background, combined with her extensive professional experience, has equipped her with a well-rounded skill set that enables her to excel in her current role.
Areas of Expertise
- Talent acquisition strategy and execution
- Creative and design-focused talent sourcing
- Employer branding and candidate experience
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Human resources and people management
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Carolyn has made significant contributions to the organizations she has served. At Ralph Lauren, she has spearheaded initiatives to enhance the company's employer brand and streamline the talent acquisition process, leading to improved candidate experience and increased hiring efficiency. Carolyn's ability to identify and attract top creative talent has played a pivotal role in supporting Ralph Lauren's digital transformation and brand innovation efforts.
Conclusion
Carolyn Ernst is a seasoned talent acquisition professional with a proven track record of success in the retail and fashion industries. With her deep understanding of the creative talent landscape and her ability to align business needs with talent strategy, Carolyn is well-positioned to continue driving positive impact and contributing to the growth and success of Ralph Lauren.
