Diane Simpson
Director of Merchandising
Professional Overview
Diane Simpson is an accomplished retail industry professional with over 12 years of experience in merchandising, design, and brand management. As the Director of Merchandising at Randa Apparel & Accessories, she leverages her deep expertise in product strategy, trend analysis, and supply chain optimization to drive category growth and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Merchandising at Randa Apparel & Accessories, Diane oversees the development and execution of merchandising strategies for the company's men's belts and furnishings portfolio. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to identify market trends, curate product assortments, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality, customer-centric offerings. Under her leadership, Diane has successfully implemented data-driven planning processes that have resulted in improved inventory management, enhanced sell-through rates, and increased profitability.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Diane served as the Director of Design for Men's Belts & Furnishings at Randa Apparel & Accessories, where she played a pivotal role in modernizing the company's product design and development capabilities. She has also held positions as a Senior Merchandiser and Merchandise Coordinator at Randa, as well as a Brand Manager at Michael Kors and an Intern at PRCO International and Collado Garcia. Throughout her career, Diane has demonstrated a keen eye for fashion trends, a strong understanding of consumer behavior, and a proven ability to drive strategic initiatives that deliver measurable business impact.
Academic Background
Diane holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Merchandising strategy and planning
- Product assortment development
- Supply chain management and logistics
- Fashion trend analysis and market intelligence
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Data-driven decision making and performance optimization
Professional Impact
As a respected industry thought leader, Diane has been recognized for her contributions to the retail sector. She has been invited to speak at industry conferences, sharing her insights on emerging trends and best practices in merchandising. Diane's work has also been featured in leading industry publications, further solidifying her reputation as a subject matter expert.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, innovative mindset, and strategic vision, Diane Simpson is poised to continue driving growth and excellence in her role as the Director of Merchandising at Randa Apparel & Accessories. Her commitment to delivering exceptional results, coupled with her deep understanding of the retail landscape, make her a valuable asset to the organization and a respected leader within the industry.