Creative Director Nicola Glass, known for her work at Kate Spade, announces departure.
Kate Spade Undergoes Leadership Changes as Nicola Glass Departs and Kristen Naiman Takes on New Role
In a series of recent developments, fashion brand Kate Spade has announced significant changes in its leadership team. One of the most notable changes is the departure of Nicola Glass, the Creative Director of the brand, who will be leaving her position on April 1, 2025. The exact reason for her departure is not detailed in the available sources.
Nicola Glass joined Kate Spade in early 2018, bringing with her extensive experience in the fashion industry. At Michael Kors, she oversaw all accessory hardware and technical design, and sourced and developed all leathers and fabrics.
Replacing Glass in a new role created within the company is Kristen Naiman, who has been with Kate Spade for seven years as the senior vice president of brand creative. Naiman will now take on the role of senior vice president of brand concept and strategy, reporting directly to CEO Liz Fraser.
Liz Fraser, who was instated as the CEO of Kate Spade a couple of months after Anna Bakst's departure in late 2019, is leading the brand's efforts to modernize its brand experience across all digital platforms and crystallize its brand purpose.
These changes come at a time when Kate Spade is aiming for a turnaround. The brand has been performing well in its digital channels, with approximately half a million new customers attracted through digital channels in North America. In the second quarter, Kate Spade reported the highest digital sales penetration within the Tapestry conglomerate, of which it is a part.
However, the brand has also faced challenges, with a 12.7% decline in sales in its latest quarter. Tapestry, the parent company of Kate Spade, presented a plan for multi-year growth in February, which includes the crystallization of Kate Spade's brand purpose and modernizing its brand experience across all digital platforms.
In addition to these changes, Kate Spade is creating two new roles: senior vice president of brand concept and strategy, and head of product design. The search results do not mention the person filling the position of the new SVP of brand concept and strategy or provide details about their responsibilities.
The departure of Nicola Glass and the creation of new roles mark a new chapter for Kate Spade as it continues its journey towards growth and modernization.
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- The departure of Nicola Glass, who was the Creative Director at Kate Spade, and the creation of a new role for Kristen Naiman as the senior vice president of brand concept and strategy, indicate a significant shift in the leadership of the fashion brand.
- In the wake of these changes, Kate Spade is also creating two new roles, one for the senior vice president of brand concept and strategy, and another for the head of product design, aiming for further modernization.
- As the new senior vice president of brand concept and strategy, Kristen Naiman, who has been with Kate Spade for seven years, will work directly with CEO Liz Fraser to crystallize the brand's purpose and modernize its digital platforms.
- Amidst the challenges faced by Kate Spade, such as a 12.7% decline in sales in its latest quarter, the brand is focusing on growth and modernization, especially in its digital channels, where it has shown strong performance.
