Dive Brief:
- Ann Taylor and Talbots parent company, KnitWell Group, has appointed Angelica Munson as its chief digital and customer data officer, according to a Sept. 22 press release.
- In the newly created position, Munson will oversee the company’s customer data, customer insights, AI-assisted marketing tools, personalization, digital marketing and other elements of its enterprise strategy.
- Prior to joining KnitWell, Munson served as the global chief digital officer at Shiseido Group and held other senior roles at Fast Retailing, including Theory and Helmut Lang, and at Estée Lauder's Clinique brand.
Dive Insight:
KnitWell seeks to draw from Munson’s previous experience to improve customer loyalty and long-term growth across its subsidiary of brands.
While at Shiseido Group, she refined the company’s global digital capabilities and launched the Beauty Tech Lab, which provided AI-based skin diagnostics.
“Angelica is a highly respected digital and transformation leader whose experience sits at the intersection of customer insight, technology, marketing, and commerce,” Lizanne Kindler, executive chair and CEO of KnitWell Group, said in a press release. “Her expertise in building enterprise capabilities across data, digital, and customer engagement will help create the tools, insights, and infrastructure our brands need to continue growing and thriving.”
Three years ago Ann Taylor, Loft and Talbots came together under the holding company KnitWell Group. The move partially rebuilt a conglomerate of apparel brands that were previously in the stable of Ascena Group, which was ultimately dismantled during the company’s bankruptcy. Private equity firm Sycamore Partners acquired Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey during that bankruptcy process.
Sycamore then acquired Chico’s FAS in 2024 for $1 billion, which included the company’s namesake brand along with White House Black Market and Soma. The Chico’s brands became part of KnitWell Group.
Sycamore Partners now counts KnitWell Group among its portfolio of companies, which also includes Staples and Torrid.
Ann Taylor is eyeing a comeback and this summer debuted its first major integrated campaign in nearly a decade.
