Former LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton executive Gena Smith has joined the J.Crew Group as chief human resource officer, WWD has learned.
According to J.Crew, Smith will oversee all aspects of the company’s human resources function, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, inclusion and belonging, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. She will report to Libby Wadle, chief executive officer of J.Crew Group, which includes the J.Crew, Madewell and Crewcuts stores and websites, and the J.Crew Factory Outlets.
Smith has more than two decades of experience in human capital strategy, executive recruitment, and organizational development in the fashion and retail industries. She joins J.Crew from LVMH North America, where she most recently served as chief human resources officer and earlier served as senior vice president of human resources and head of global executive and creative recruitment.
Prior to LVMH, Smith was global managing director at Karen Harvey Consulting, where she advised fashion and luxury brands on executive placement and organizational design. She also held roles at Russell Reynolds Associates and Ray Berndtson, where she focused on talent strategy for clients across the consumer and retail sectors.
At J.Crew, Smith succeeds Jose Davila, who retired earlier this year.
An early task for Smith at J.Crew Group could involve efforts at finding a new president of Madewell. The brand has been operating without a president since the departure of Adrienne Lazarus last month.
“The strength of our people and the value they bring to our customers and stakeholders are fundamental to our success,” Wadle said in a statement. Wadle characterized Smith as “a dynamic leader with deep expertise in aligning people strategies with business goals in creative-led organizations. Her proven ability to build high-performing teams and foster inclusive, creative cultures will be a powerful asset as we continue to grow J.Crew Group.”
“I’ve long admired J.Crew Group’s distinct voice and enduring influence in American style,” Smith said in her statement. “I’m excited to join at such a pivotal time for the company and to partner with the leadership team to continue building a purpose-driven culture that attracts, empowers, and retains top talent.”
In her other professional activities, Smith serves on the board of governors for the Fashion Scholarship Fund and Parsons School of Design, and is a member of the board for Gabriela Hearst.
