Philippa Newman

Chief Brand & Product Officer | New York, NY

Professional Overview

Philippa Newman is an accomplished retail executive with over 15 years of experience leading brand strategy, product development, and commercial operations for global fashion brands. As the Chief Brand & Product Officer at Michael Kors, she oversees the company's integrated brand positioning, product portfolio management, and go-to-market execution across accessories, footwear, and apparel.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As Chief Brand & Product Officer at Michael Kors, Philippa is responsible for driving the brand's holistic strategy and innovative product development. She leads a team of cross-functional experts to define the brand's creative vision, curate a cohesive product assortment, and ensure seamless execution across all customer touchpoints. Under her leadership, the brand has enhanced its design aesthetic, expanded its product categories, and strengthened its market position.

Prior to her current role, Philippa served as the President of Accessories & Footwear, where she spearheaded the company's efforts to diversify its product mix and strengthen its core categories. Her ability to anticipate consumer trends and translate them into commercially successful designs has been instrumental in driving the brand's growth.

Career Progression

Philippa's career with Michael Kors has been marked by progressive leadership roles and significant contributions to the company's success. She joined the organization in 2003 as a Director of Sales, where she demonstrated exceptional sales and merchandising skills. Over the years, she has held various positions, including Vice President of Sales & Merchandising for Accessories & Footwear in Europe and Senior Vice President of Sales & Merchandising - Wholesale, honing her expertise in global brand strategy, product innovation, and commercial operations.

Prior to Michael Kors, Philippa gained valuable experience in the luxury fashion industry, working as an Account Manager at Alexander McQueen and an Account Executive at Donna Karan International.

Academic Background

Philippa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise

• Brand strategy and positioning

• Product development and innovation

• Omnichannel sales and marketing

• Global operations and supply chain management

• Luxury fashion industry trends and consumer insights

Professional Impact

Under Philippa's leadership, Michael Kors has consistently outperformed industry benchmarks, with double-digit growth in revenue and profitability. Her strategic vision and ability to align product development with evolving consumer preferences have been instrumental in strengthening the brand's market share and expanding its global footprint.

Conclusion

Philippa Newman is a seasoned retail executive with a proven track record of driving brand success and delivering exceptional business results. Her deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and cross-functional leadership have been instrumental in positioning Michael Kors as a leading global luxury fashion brand. Philippa's commitment to innovation and her ability to anticipate and adapt to market trends make her a valuable asset to the organization.