Duluth Holdings, Inc. (dba, Duluth Trading Company) has appointed Stephanie Pugliese as its new president and CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective May 5, 2025.
Pugliese replaces outgoing CEO Sam Soto, who announced he was leaving the company last week.
“We are delighted to welcome Stephanie back to Duluth Trading as our president and CEO,” said Stephen L. Schlecht, chairman of Duluth Trading. “Following our initial public offering and during her previous tenure as president and CEO from 2015 through 2019, Stephanie was instrumental in leading our most successful period to date, doubling net sales and enhancing overall profitability.”
Schlecht added, “Stephanie’s intimate understanding of our brand ethos, solution-based products, and customer-centric philosophy ensures she will make an immediate impact. Her exceptional experience and expertise in leading brand-focused consumer businesses will be invaluable as we drive toward sustainable and profitable growth. Over the past several years, Duluth has made significant investments in systems, sourcing, and distribution that will serve as a strong foundation as we work to deliver differentiated products and an excellent customer experience.”
Pugliese said, “I am incredibly excited to be rejoining Duluth Trading at this pivotal time in its journey to profitable growth. I know from my long tenure at the company spanning merchandising, marketing and leadership roles what a special brand it is, and I am honored that Steve and the Board are giving me the opportunity to once again lead this talented team.”
The company said Pugliese brings a wealth of branded apparel and retail and merchandising experience from her 30-year retail career.
Pugliese joined Duluth Trading in November 2008 as VP of Product and Merchandising. In July 2010, the company promoted her to SVP, Head of Merchandising and chief marketing oficer (CMO). In February 2012, Publiese received a promotion from the company to president and CMO. From February 2014 to February 2015, Pugliese served as president and COO; from February 2015 to August 2019, as president and CEO of Duluth Trading.
From September 2019 to May 2020, Pugliese served as president of North America for Under Armour, Inc. and president of the Americas for UA from June 2020 until March 2023. She joined the Board of Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. in March 2023 and served on the American Eagle Outfitters Board from August 2024 to April 2025. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants.
Earlier in her career, Pugliese held several executive positions with Lands’ End, Inc. from 2005 to 2008 and Ann, Inc. from 2000 to 2003.
Pugliese holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from New York University Stern School of Business.
Images courtesy Duluth Holdings Inc.
