Abercrombie & Fitch Co. announced the promotion of veteran finance leader Robert Ball to chief financial officer (CFO), effective November 20, 2024. In his new role, Ball will serve on the company’s executive leadership team and continue to report to Scott Lipesky, executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO).
Ball, previously the company’s senior vice president of Corporate Finance, Investor Relations and Treasury, brings nearly 22 years of experience leading key Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Finance and Strategy functions to the role.
Lipesky, who served as the company’s CFO since 2017, was promoted to COO in May 2023 and will remain in that role, leading the company’s global operations and growth strategies while driving financial discipline, capital allocation and efficiency.
Commenting on the appointment, company CEO Fran Horowitz said, “With Scott’s promotion to COO, we had an opportunity to elevate a very talented leader in our finance organization, and I’m pleased to welcome Robert to his new role as CFO. He has worked in close partnership with me and our entire executive leadership team to help architect A&F Co.’s transformation and successfully execute the turnaround of our brands and business.” Horowitz added, “With his decades of experience at the company, Robert is uniquely qualified to have an immediate impact as he continues to help drive our strategies forward.”
“I’m excited to take on the role of CFO at this stage of A&F Co.’s journey,“ said Ball. “As much as we’ve achieved over the last several years, there is tremendous opportunity ahead. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Fran, Scott and our brand and regional leaders to deliver on our long-term growth ambitions.”
Prior to being appointed CFO of the company, Ball held several finance leadership positions at A&F Co., including CFO of the Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie Kids brands. He worked in financial reporting, financial planning, and analysis, and corporate finance and led the transformation management office. Before joining the company in 2003, Ball started his career as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch.
Images courtesy Abercrombie & Fitch
