John Auerbach has joined Kate Spade & Co. as senior vice president of global digital and e-commerce strategy.
He will oversee and lead strategy, operations and implementation of the company’s global e-commerce capabilities. He reports to George Carrara, president and chief operating officer.
“Under John’s leadership, we will continue to develop a center of excellence for our digital and e-commerce capabilities as we grow as a global, multichannel lifestyle brand,” Carrara said.
Most recently, Auerbach was international managing director of digital and e-commerce at Christie’s. Previously, he spent more than five years with Gilt Groupe, where he was part of the founding leadership team and held various roles including president of Park & Bond. He has also established several technology-based ventures, including Eloquii, an online fashion retailer.
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“I look forward to continuing to build Kate Spade & Co.’s brand equity, digital leadership and strong engagement with customers across all of our channels,” Auerbach said.
Last week, it was reported that New York-based activist Caerus Investors sent a letter to Kate Spade’s chairman Nancy Karch, arguing it was time for the company to find a home in the portfolio of a larger strategic player. “We strongly believe that a strategic, industry player would be willing to pay a substantial premium to add this growth business to their portfolio,” said the letter, signed by Ward Davis, founder and chief investment officer of Caerus Investors, and Brian Agnew, managing partner.