EXCLUSIVE: J.Crew Names Julia Collier Chief Marketing Officer

J.Crew Group has named former Skims executive Julia Collier as chief marketing officer for its J.Crew brand.

Collier will join J.Crew on Jan. 6. As the former senior vice president of marketing for Skims — the shapewear and underwear brand cofounded by Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede and Jens Grede — Collier ran the marketing and creative functions. At J.Crew, she will lead the marketing team, overseeing brand marketing and brand creative. She will be based in New York and report directly to Libby Wadle, J.Crew Group’s chief executive officer.

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J.Crew Group also changed the structure of its marketing organization. Previously, Derek Yarbrough served as chief marketing officer for the J.Crew and Madewell brands, which comprise the J.Crew Group. He left the company earlier this year. Madewell does not have a chief marketing officer. A representative told WWD, “Madewell marketing duties are being handled by the existing team.”

“In Julia, we have found a distinguished marketing leader who brings an ideal combination of brand-building expertise, fashion industry knowledge, and passion for culturally relevant marketing strategies that will drive even greater [customer] engagement,” Wadle said in a statement. “Her versatile background, proven leadership capabilities, and forward-thinking approach will be a valuable addition to our team as we continue to build on our momentum.”

Collier has nearly 20 years of fashion, brand and marketing agency experience. While at Skims, Collier built a 40-person marketing team. Her work included setting the brand’s tone and positioning, coordinating celebrity deals, overseeing brand creative and leading cross-channel marketing strategies. She also spearheaded high-profile brand partnerships with the NBA, WNBA and Team USA as well as collaborations with luxury brands like Fendi and Swarovski, and, most recently, Dolce & Gabbana.
Collier characterized J.Crew as “an iconic American brand that has been at the forefront of consumer consciousness for decades and holds a unique space in culture, both past and present.”

Kevin Ulrich, chairman of J.Crew Group, said in a statement: “Julia is an outstanding leader with an impressive track record of developing and executing innovative marketing strategies that achieve results. She brings an extensive network of relationships and a relentless approach.”

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