The NPD Group has named Susan Merrill president of its U.S. Apparel practice. She succeeds John Deputato, a 10-year veteran of NPD and practice head for the majority of those years, who is retiring this month.
Merrill has over 25 years of experience in market research, consumer insights and client and business development. She has been with NPD since 2005 and during that time has held various roles within the company’s Apparel group. Most recently, Merrill served as vice president, where she was responsible for business and client development and working directly with the largest national apparel manufacturers. In her new role, Merrill will be responsible for overseeing NPD’s portfolio of apparel services and product offerings.
“Susan has the leadership, business acumen, and strong knowledge of the apparel industry that is necessary to propel our business strategy forward,” said Joanne Sackett, president of NPD’s Softlines Sector. “Her commercial skills paired with a solid track record for building strategic relationships will allow us to partner with clients in new and different ways, and identify additional opportunities to navigate them to success.”
Photos courtesy NPD
