Karla Frieders

Chief Merchandise Officer

Professional Overview
Karla Frieders is an accomplished retail executive with extensive experience in merchandise planning, product development, and brand management. As the Chief Merchandise Officer at Steve Madden, she leverages her deep industry expertise to drive strategic initiatives and ensure the company's product portfolio aligns with evolving consumer preferences.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Merchandise Officer at Steve Madden, Karla is responsible for overseeing the company's merchandise strategy, product development, and assortment planning. She collaborates closely with the design and marketing teams to deliver innovative, on-trend products that resonate with the brand's target audience. Under her leadership, Steve Madden has consistently maintained its position as a leading fashion-forward footwear and accessories brand.

Career Progression
Karla's career at Steve Madden has spanned over two decades, during which she has held various leadership roles. She began as a Buyer and Merchandise Manager, steadily advancing to positions such as Product and Brand Manager, Retail, and President of Retail. Her deep understanding of the brand and keen ability to anticipate market trends have been instrumental in driving the company's growth and success.

Academic Background
Karla holds a Bachelor's degree from a reputable university, where she specialized in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management. Her academic achievements and passion for the industry have provided a strong foundation for her professional development.

Areas of Expertise

• Merchandise planning and assortment optimization

• Product development and brand management

• Retail operations and customer experience

• Trend forecasting and consumer insights

• Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration

Professional Impact
Throughout her tenure at Steve Madden, Karla has played a pivotal role in the company's strategic initiatives. She has led the successful launch of several high-performing product lines, driving increased market share and revenue growth. Karla's ability to translate consumer insights into actionable business strategies has earned her recognition as a respected industry leader.

Conclusion
Karla Frieders is a seasoned retail executive with a proven track record of driving innovation and growth. As the Chief Merchandise Officer at Steve Madden, she continues to build upon her impressive career, leveraging her deep industry expertise to shape the brand's future and deliver exceptional value to its customers.