Urban Outfitters Inc. (Philadelphia) named David McCreight ceo at Anthropologie Group, which includes the North American and European Anthropologie businesses and BHLDN. McCreight formerly served as president of Lands' End from 2005 to 2008 and was president of Under Armour from 2008 to 2010, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
The retailer also eliminated the co-president positions in the Anthropologie brand in North American. Wendy Wurtzburger will continue to serve as chief merchandising and design officer, while Kristin Norris was named chief creative officer and Denise Albright was appointed chief operating officer.
At the company’s Urban Outfitters division, Charles Kessler was named chief merchandising officer. For its growing Terrain division, the company named Wendy McDevittt president.
"The creation of the group ceo role streamlines our organization structure and is pivotal in the development of our multi-brand growth strategy," Glen Senk, the firm's ceo, told WWD. "We're excited to welcome the broad-based skills and tremendous track records of David and Chad. At the same time, we're delighted to recognize the strength of our organization and the opportunity it affords Wendy, Kristin, Denise and Wendy to extend their leadership capabilities."
The changes follow news that Urban Outfitters Inc. missed Wall Street's third-quarter sales forecast. The retailer’s sales rose 6 percent in the third quarter, while comparable sales, which include the firm’s direct-to-consumer business, slipped 3 percent.
Among its divisions, comparable retail net sales rose 14 percent at Free People; came in flat at the flagship division; and were down 7 percent at Anthropologie, reports WWD.