J.Crew Adds to Top Management

Libby Wadle, CEO of the J. Crew Group (New York) since late November, has built out the corporate team to advance long-term strategic growth, reports WWD.

Among the promotions, Danielle Schmelkin, former CIO for Madewell (New York), has risen to CIO for the group. Derek Yarbrough, former CMO at Madewell, has been named CMO for both Madewell and J. Crew, a new position responsible for all marketing, creative and e-commerce initiatives.

Liz Hershfield has become SVP for Sustainability at J. Crew, Madewell and J. Crew Factory. It’s a new role at the group. Hershfield also continues to oversee sourcing for Madewell.

In addition, Jose Davila has been named Chief People Officer for J. Crew Group, filling a role that had been vacant since September. Davila most recently was VP of Human Resources for Levi Strauss.

Wadle said in a statement Thursday: “I believe strong and relevant brands are customer-centric, community-minded, purpose-driven and powered through innovation, technology and a deeply collaborative culture. Jose, Danielle, Derek and Liz are proven leaders in their respective fields, share our core values, and bring significant expertise as well as a passion for our brands that will drive our business forward.”