Tech giant Capri Holdings appoints ex-Walgreens executive as Chief Information Officer
Capri Holdings, the luxury fashion group behind brands such as Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors, has announced the appointment of Alejandro Martinez-Galindo as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). The move is part of a strategic shift to focus on digital transformation, with a particular emphasis on enhancing digital innovation and elevating brand-specific digital experiences.
Martinez-Galindo, who previously held the CIO position at Walgreens, is expected to steer Capri's technology-driven turnaround. His role will involve driving digital platform upgrades, enhancing customer engagement through AI and omnichannel integration, and enabling operational improvements critical for growth in a challenging luxury market environment.
One of the key areas of focus will be e-commerce growth and AI-powered personalization, as demonstrated by Michael Kors' 10% year-over-year growth in its customer database. This growth is attributed to integrated omnichannel digital platforms. For Jimmy Choo, the strategy includes implementing interactive digital campaigns and storytelling initiatives to strengthen its digital presence and align with market trends, particularly targeting growth in the casual footwear segment.
In addition, Capri Holdings is investing in sustainability-related digital initiatives, focusing on transparent and verifiable ESG practices to meet growing industry and consumer demands. This strategic shift post-Versace divestiture aims to revitalize Capri's core brands and adapt to evolving luxury consumer demographics and competitive pressures.
Martinez-Galindo will report to Thomas Edwards, executive vice president, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer at Capri Holdings. His start date at Capri Holdings is set for Monday.
Martinez-Galindo's extensive experience in leading digital transformations, enterprise system rollouts, and data analytics innovation is expected to be instrumental in Capri Holdings' continued digital and e-commerce evolution. His previous roles span various industries, including retail, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
This appointment follows a series of moves by other companies to modernize their digital operations. Companies like Bed Bath & Beyond, David's Bridal, Rent the Runway, and Foot Locker have also brought on CTOs or CIOs to drive digital transformation.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3]
Technology will play a significant role in Capri Holdings' digital transformation, with Martinez-Galindo's appointment as CIO expected to drive platform upgrades and AI integration. This shift aims to enhance customer engagement, operational improvements, and growth in a challenging luxury market.
E-commerce growth and AI-powered personalization are key areas of focus, demonstrated by Michael Kors' success in customer database expansion. Jimmy Choo, on the other hand, plans to strengthen its digital presence through interactive campaigns and storytelling initiatives.
In addition to digital innovation, Capri Holdings is investing in sustainability-related digital initiatives to meet rising industry and consumer demands for transparent and verifiable ESG practices. This strategic move post-Versace divestiture seeks to revitalize Capri's core brands and adapt to evolving luxury consumer demographics and competitive pressures.
As more companies modernize their digital operations, Capri Holdings' appointment of Martinez-Galindo is part of a broader trend, with organizations like Bed Bath & Beyond, David's Bridal, Rent the Runway, and Foot Locker bringing on CTOs or CIOs to drive digital transformation.
[1] Source: Capri Holdings Press Release (Date)[2] Source: Business of Fashion (Date)[3] Source: Forbes (Date)
