The Lands’ End, Inc. Board of Directors has appointed consumer brand and digital transformation executive Charlie Cole as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective July 13, 2026. Cole will succeed Andrew McLean, who is stepping down as CEO and a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
“Lands’ End is one of America’s most iconic brands, built on quality, service, and enduring customer relationships,” commented Cole. “Andrew and the entire team have created a strong platform for the future, and I am honored to build upon that foundation, leveraging my technology and AI experience to create an even more personalized, engaging and productive customer experience. I look forward to working alongside Lands’ End’s talented employees, partners, customers and shareholders as we write the next chapter of the Lands’ End story.”
Lands’ End described Cole as a “consumer brand executive with more than two decades of leadership experience spanning digital commerce, technology, artificial intelligence, and omni-channel retail.”
Most recently, he served as interim chief digital officer of Thuma. Previously, he was president of XGen AI, an AI-powered commerce software company acquired by Zoovu in 2026, CEO of Tribute Technology, CEO of FTD, chief digital officer of Tumi, and global chief e-commerce officer of Samsonite.
Cole’s appointment reportedly “builds on the strong execution of the company’s solutions-based strategy under outgoing CEO Andrew McLean that strengthened the Lands’ End brand, improved operating performance, repositioned the company for long-term growth, and culminated in Lands’ End’s strategic joint venture with WHP Global.”
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Andrew for his outstanding leadership. During his tenure, Lands’ End executed a strategic transformation that strengthened both the business and the balance sheet and created meaningful opportunities for future value creation,” shared Josephine Linden, chair of the Board of Directors. “Andrew’s leadership in establishing the WHP Global joint venture represents a significant milestone in unlocking the long-term potential of the Lands’ End brand. We are grateful that he will continue supporting the company during this transition.”
McLean added, “It has been a privilege to lead Lands’ End and work alongside such an exceptional team. Together, we strengthened the brand, improved our operating performance, expanded strategic opportunities, and positioned the Company for its next phase of growth. I have tremendous confidence in Charlie’s leadership and believe Lands’ End is well positioned to continue creating value for customers, employees and shareholders. I remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
Linden went on to say, “that the responsibility of the Board is to ensure Lands’ End has the right leader for every stage of its evolution.”
“Charlie has spent his career transforming iconic consumer brands by combining disciplined operating execution with technology-enabled innovation, and the Board is confident that his expertise will enable him to execute and expand on the strategy the company recently laid out while positioning Lands’ End exceptionally well to drive the next phase of profitable growth and sustainable shareholder value creation.”
“The continued return of capital to shareholders through the Company’s $100 million share repurchase program authorized in April is a demonstration of the Board’s confidence in the future and value of this great Company,” concluded Linden.
Images courtesy Lands’ End/LinkedIn
