Lululemon Athletica inc. announced that Tara Poseley has been appointed as its chief product officer. She most recently served as president of Kmart apparel, a multi-channel,
multi-category business with several billion in revenue, at which she
was responsible for the revitalization of Kmart apparel and the launch
of several new product collections to attract a younger and
multi-cultural customer.
Previously, she held the position of interim
President at Bebe Stores, Inc, president of Disney Stores North America
(The Children’s Place), and CEO of Design Within Reach (DWR).
Poseley also held a range of senior merchandising and design management
positions during her 15 year tenure at Gap Inc. Tara practices yoga, is
an avid telemark skier, loves spending time in outdoor activities with
her family and looks forward to living in Vancouver, B.C.
Overall, Poseley brings 25 years of experience in strategic product
development, merchandising and brand management for both large-scale and
entrepreneurial businesses, running apparel, accessories, men’s,
women’s and children’s categories.
In this role, Poseley will oversee the company’s global merchandising and design strategy, working hand in hand with its talented and proven design team including Deanne Schweitzer, senior vice president and head of women’s design, and Felix Del Toro, SVP and head of men’s design. Reporting to the company’s chief executive officer, Poseley's responsibilities include merchandising, inventory, allocation and strategic planning.
“Tara brings tremendous experience in merchandising and product execution that will greatly enhance the leadership team and increase the level of sophistication with which we approach the merchandising function. In addition, her proven track record in product allocation and planning will help us to maximize the productivity of each Lululemon store. Tara checks all of the skill boxes and will be a great cultural fit and the team looks forward to working closely with her,” said Christine Day, CEO of Lululemon Athletica. “With Tara as Chief Product Officer and Jennifer Battersby having accepted the role of Senior Vice President of Sourcing, we have greatly fortified our product engine and execution capabilities, an investment in the business that will pay dividends as we pursue new growth opportunities.”
Chip Wilson, founder and chairman of the board added, “on behalf of the Board, we are thrilled that Tara will be joining the Lululemon family. We believe that her passion for athletics and product combined with her experience in the vertical apparel business will fit perfectly in the Lululemon culture. These strengths will serve her well as she inspires our design team to continue pushing the envelope when it comes to the design, fit and function of our product.”
