ABERCROMBIE & FITCH MAKES ADDITIONAL CHANGES TO LEADERSHIP TEAM

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has announced changes as part of its ongoing ‘transforming while growing’ phase, which include the decision to eliminate the role of chief operating officer.

In the newly streamlined organization the company’s chief financial officer, chief information officer, head of global supply chain, and head of the transformation management office will now report to the CEO. The changes are effective immediately, and the company’s COO, Joanne C. Crevoiserat, will leave the company following a short transition period.

“Based on the progress of our company-wide transformation initiatives, and the continuing focus on driving additional agility and efficiency throughout the business, we have decided to eliminate the COO role,” said Fran Horowitz, chief executive officer at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. “Joanne has been a key partner in our transformation journey over these past five years, helping stabilize the business and embed transformation across the organization. I am grateful for her many contributions across the company, which will have a lasting, positive impact, and we wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”

This is the second time in less than a year that Abercrombie has restructured management, eliminating roles in the process. In November, the company got rid of its brand president positions. Kristin Scott, who was brand president of Hollister Co. at the time, was elevated to president of global brands. Meanwhile, Stacia Andersen, former brand president of Abercrombie and Abercrombie Kids, left the company.