Melanie Matsukawa
Head of People, PFS, Operations and Business Planning
Los Angeles, California, United States
Professional Overview
Melanie Matsukawa is an accomplished human resources executive with extensive experience in the retail and fashion industries. As the Head of People, PFS, Operations and Business Planning at Ralph Lauren, she oversees a wide range of strategic HR initiatives, operational efficiency, and business planning efforts to drive organizational success.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current position, Melanie is responsible for leading the people, operations, and business planning functions at Ralph Lauren. She leverages her deep expertise in talent management, employee development, and organizational optimization to ensure the company's people and processes are aligned to support its ambitious growth objectives. Under her guidance, the HR and operations teams have implemented innovative programs to enhance the employee experience, foster a high-performance culture, and improve cross-functional collaboration.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Melanie held several progressive HR leadership positions at renowned fashion brands, including Senior Director People & Development at Ralph Lauren and HR Business Partner at Burberry and Diesel. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex business challenges, drive strategic change, and deliver measurable people and operational improvements. Her track record of success is underpinned by her strong business acumen, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to talent development.
Academic Background
Melanie holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Southern California, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic achievements and specialized training in HR and organizational behavior have equipped her with the knowledge and analytical skills to tackle the evolving needs of the retail and fashion industries.
Areas of Expertise
- Talent management and workforce planning
- Employee engagement and culture-building
- HR operations and process optimization
- Business strategy and operational excellence
- Organizational transformation and change management
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Melanie has made significant contributions to the companies she has served. At Ralph Lauren, she spearheaded the implementation of a robust succession planning program, which has enabled the organization to develop a strong pipeline of future leaders. Additionally, she led the redesign of the company's performance management system, resulting in improved employee productivity and career development opportunities.
Conclusion
Melanie Matsukawa is a versatile and strategic HR executive with a proven track record of driving organizational success in the retail and fashion industries. With her deep expertise in talent management, operational efficiency, and business planning, she is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful impact in her role at Ralph Lauren as the company navigates the evolving landscape of the industry.
