US fashion brand Ralph Lauren unveils new board leadership structure

Published 3 days ago• 2 minute read

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) announced that, as part of its Board of Directors evolution strategy, it has approved the appointment of Angela Ahrendts as new Lead Independent Director following the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Ahrendts has served on the Ralph Lauren Board since August 2018 and is currently the Finance Committee chair and a member of the Nominating, Governance, and Sustainability Committee.

Ahrendts succeeds Hubert Joly, who, after 16 years of service, will not seek reelection to the Company’s Board of Directors. Joly was appointed to the Ralph Lauren Board in June 2009 and has served as Lead Independent Director since 2021. He currently sits on the Talent, Culture & Total Rewards and Finance Committees. Joly played a key role in the Board’s evolution, resulting in its broadened diversity of backgrounds, skills and experiences.

“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. We are grateful for his unwavering support and thoughtful leadership as well as the care he has shown for our Company and our teams,” said .

“Angela has consistently offered valuable guidance and brought her perspective as a respected innovator in the industry. We look forward to continuing to benefit from her leadership and contributions as our new Lead Independent Director,” added.

“We are proud to have a Board comprised of deep, unique and differentiated experiences, all of which continue to contribute to our strength and durability as a business. I am grateful for Hubert’s guidance over the years, particularly in helping drive our Company’s performance and transformation and I look forward to working closely with Angela in her expanded role,” said .

With Mr. Joly’s departure, the Ralph Lauren board will be comprised of 11 directors. Ms. Ahrendts’s appointment as the new Lead Independent Director will be effective following her re-election as a director at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, taking place on Thursday, July 31, 2025.