• A talented leader with a proven turnaround record in retail, including stores, e-commerce and omni-channel, Laura quickly brings strategic vision and value in key operational areas including growth and go-to-market strategies, Finance, IT, Real Estate, Merchandising, Planning and Allocation, Marketing and Talent.

     

    Laura brings improved operating performance and positive long-term growth, in the short term. Ms. Weil is deeply experienced in e-commerce, implementing disruptive technologies and leading through innovation.

     

    News:

    Laura Weil was the former cfo of American Eagle Outfitters ... joined the board of Bamboo Rose.​

     

    Laura Weil Quoted In:

    Retail Board Governance in the Time of Disruption

     

    http://finance.yahoo.com

    Christopher & Banks nominates Laura Weil as new Independent Director.

     

     

     

     

     

    broken image

     

    LAURA WEIL

    VILLAGE LANE ADVISORY

    FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER

    broken image
  • Background

    CEO | COO | CFO/BOARD MEMBER

    broken image

    Supervisory Board Member, Chair of Audit Committee

    August 2019 to Present

    Publicly traded fashion e-commerce company offering 10,000 brands and last mile delivery in four continents.

    broken image

    Board Member, Chair of Digital Transformation Committee

    March 2018 to Present

    PE-backed fine jewelry, credit enhanced retailer operating over 100 stores and danielsjewelers.com.

    broken image

    Executive Consultant

    UNITI Fashion

     

    January 2015 - January 2016

    Created global strategy and start up business plan for UNITI Fashion's pivot to DTC from wholesale roots. Advised CR7.com, featuring licensed fashion denim for soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.

     

    broken image

    Executive Consultant

    Global Fashion Menswear Company

    May 2015 - December 2015

    Created go-to-market strategies, including competitive positioning and design, production and merchandising initiatives, for a luxury menswear company. Engaged as well in wholesale strategy, as well as full price and outlet store retailing.

    broken image

    Board Member, Audit Committee, Compliance and Compensation Committees

    2007 - Present

    Member of the Audit and Compensation Committees for the largest leisure travel company in the world.

    broken image

    Board Member, Chair of Nominating and Governance Committee and Member of Compensation Committee

    June 2016 to June 2019

    Publicly traded omni-channel women's specialty apparel retailer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

    broken image

    Chief Operating Officer

    February 2012 - August 2014

    Led strategies to improve profitability across all areas,  leading to consecutive margin and EBITDA improvement. Responsibilities included Information Technology, Real Estate, Global Production and Sourcing, Merchandise Planning and Allocation, and Corporate Strategy.

    broken image

    Chief Executive Officer

    September 2008 - August 2011

    Hired as turnaround consultant, promoted to CEO to lead restructuring and sale of women's plus-size fashions to a private equity firm. Hired the team to lead transformation across design, fabrication, and sales in 200 U.S. stores and the global e-commerce site, AshleyStewart.com.

    broken image

    Chief Operating Officer, Senior Executive Vice-President

    2005 - 2006

    Revamped operational processes in IT, Global Sourcing, Real Estate and Finance to improve management visibility, instill accountability and increase profitability.

    broken image

    Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President

    1995 - 2005

    Led financial and strategic initiatives for market cap growth from $50M to $5.0B.

     

    Managed growth from 280 to 900 + stores in U.S. and Canada financed with internally generated cash flow.

     

    Led strong financial performance in profitability and inventory productivity with a nearly debt-free balance sheet.


    Completed four stock splits in five years.

     

    Partnered in the development and growth of ae.com and aerie®. Implemented accretive acquisition for AE’s expansion into Canada and development of a new retail brand.


    Led investor relations of 29 sell side firms, numerous buy-side/hedge fund firms, and institutional investors.


    Led IT evaluations and implementations of applications; created a web-based, unified view of the supply chain, from product development through distribution, as well as markdown optimization.

    broken image

    Senior Vice-President, Investment Banking

    1992 - 1995

    Managed Oppenheimer’s Retail and Consumer Investment Banking group. Led the IPO of American Eagle Outfitters,  among other transactions.

    broken image

    Vice-President Finance, Chief Financial Officer - Credit Operations

    1998 - 1992

    Ran treasury functions and cash management, forecasting and budgeting, and rating agency relationships and handled relations with bank group and credit committee. Promoted to CFO of $3.5B credit corporation.

    broken image

    Business Manager

    1988 - 1989

    U.S. start-up of French phyto-based cosmetics and personal care products sponsored by Booker PLC., London, England.

     

    broken image

    Vice-President, Restructuring and Retailing Industry Groups

    1979 - 1988

    Held various investment banking positions and led transactions in entertainment, restructuring, mergers & acquisitions and retailing groups.

    broken image

    Board of Trustees

    May 2007 - Present

    Public Preparatory Network operates six high-quality charter schools, including universal pre-kindergarten and single-sex elementary and middle schools in the Bronx and Manhattan.

    broken image

    Board Member, Audit Committee

    April 2003 - April 2009

    Ultra Stores, based in Chicago, was the largest operator of fine jewelry stores in premium outlet centers. It was sold to Sterling Jewelers, Inc.

    broken image

    Member,  Mentor

    2010

    Participant/mentor in strategic meetings to develop NYC initiatives to support and grow the fashion/retail/e-commerce industry in New York City.

    broken image

    Education

    MBA Finance, Marketing

    Columbia University

    Columbia Business School

    broken image

    Education

    BA, Art History, Government

    Smith College

  • broken image

    Retail and E-Commerce Consulting

    Complex Problems,

    Simple Solutions

    Retailing is fast paced, complex and increasingly competitive as disruptive technology further lowers the barriers to enter the global retail economy. The customer is determining when, where and how she/he wants to shop and retailers must respond by being channel agnostic. Identifying winning Go-to-Market strategies, implementing merchandise planning and distribution models for omni-channel selling, and deploying high-ROI financial and technological solutions are critical to success. These are areas in which we have a proven track record, both for growth situations as well as the restructuring of legacy retailers.

    We help you identify the issues and solve them.

    Advising

    Fresh Perspective, Decades of Success

    Informed by many years of C-suite and board level experience, we offer 360 degree strategic advice to improve financial performance and operating efficiency without sacrificing brand differentiation and growth. Our strategic advice is supported by long-term, successful operating experience, financial expertise and sensitivity to investor concerns and needs. Recently we advised UNITI Fashion on their launch of CR7.com, the official denim e-commerce site for Cristiano Ronaldo, the #1 soccer player in the world.

    Achieving

    It's All About Results

    We care about improving measurable financial results and enhancing the brand. We listen, we learn and we offer actionable plans, processes and solutions. We work with boards and c-suite executives to develop strategic go-to-market, financial, merchandise planning, and technological solutions to compete profitably.

    Vision

    Being a Pioneer

    While at American Eagle Outfitters, Laura Weil foresaw the future of ECommerce.

     

    broken image

    Please e-mail us for more information.

    Please view the Linked In profile for Laura Weil.