Ralph Lauren names Bob Ranftl as COO, Mercedes Abramo to lead North America

Ralph Lauren Corporation announced on Tuesday the appointment of Bob Ranftl as chief operating officer.

Effective March 30, Ranftl, a veteran leader at Ralph Lauren since 2015, will succeed Jane Nielsen as part of the company’s previously announced multi-year strategic succession plan. 

Ranftl currently serves as regional chief executive officer for North America, a role he will hand over to Mercedes Abramo, who joins the company on March 1.

Both Ranftl and Abramo will join the enterprise leadership team, reporting directly to Patrice Louvet, president and chief executive officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation. 

“With his global Ralph Lauren experience, extensive operational background and deep love for our brand, Bob is uniquely qualified to serve as our next chief operating officer after laying strong foundations that pivoted North America to growth,” said Louvet.

“As we progress on our path toward long-term, sustainable growth in North America, Mercedes’s proven luxury retail and people leadership, and her deep understanding of the market and consumer, make her a natural choice to be our next regional CEO for North America. Ralph and I look forward to her partnership and leadership.”

Ranftl has held multiple leadership roles at Ralph Lauren, including COO positions across North America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA. In his current role as regional CEO for North America, he oversaw strategic expansion in key cities, direct-to-consumer market entry in Canada, and a wholesale repositioning effort that reignited growth in the region. As COO, Ranftl will oversee key functions, including IT, logistics, real estate, architecture, store design, and licensing.

“Over the past 10 years, it has been a privilege to work with our teams to bring Ralph’s vision to life for consumers in different markets around the world,” said Ranftl. 

“The North America team has set the foundation for the region’s bright future ahead under Mercedes’s leadership. The company is in a strong position, and as COO, I look forward to driving the operational excellence that will help enable long-term success.”

Meanwhile, Abramo joins Ralph Lauren after serving as deputy chief commercial officer at Cartier S.A., where she built an impressive career, including roles as vice president of retail and president and CEO of Cartier North America.

“I am deeply inspired by brands that have rich history and heritage, and that create a lifelong emotional connection with their consumers by staying true to who they are while innovating and maintaining relevance. Time and time again, Ralph Lauren has achieved this, helping to define American luxury,” said Abramo. 

“The North American market is incredibly diverse, dynamic and full of opportunity. I am proud to join the team at one of the most exciting times in the company’s history and to help lead the region in its next stage of growth.”