Ralph Lauren has announced the appointment of Angela Ahrendts as its new lead independent director following the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

Ahrendts has served on the Ralph Lauren board since August 2018 and currently chairs the finance committee while also serving on the nominating, governance, and sustainability committee.

She succeeds Hubert Joly, who will not seek re-election to the board after 16 years of service. Joly was appointed to the Ralph Lauren board in June 2009 and became lead independent director in 2021. He currently sits on the talent, culture and total rewards committee as well as the finance committee.

Ralph Lauren stated that Joly played a pivotal role in evolving the board’s composition, broadening its diversity of backgrounds, skills and experiences.

With Joly’s departure, the board will now comprise 11 directors.

“Hubert has been an integral part of our board and has been instrumental in guiding and supporting our strategy, while embodying the passion and dedication that define our brand,” said Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer. “We are grateful for his unwavering support and thoughtful leadership as well as the care he has shown for our company and our teams.”

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