Gabriella White Appoints New CMO and the Company’s First Chief Retail Officer

Furniture World News Desk on 5/20/2024

Gabriella White, LLC announces two new C-Suite appointments with Kirsten Darrow as the brand’s new Chief Marketing Officer and Jim Hardy in the newly created role, Chief Retail Officer. Both executives will lead the company into growth and expansion from the Gabriella White headquarters in the Birmingham area. 

Jim Hardy will be joining Gabriella White as the brand’s new Chief Retail Officer. With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in the retail industry, Jim brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this new role.  Jim’s first day will be June 3rd, 2024, and he will report to William White, CEO of Gabriella White, LLC and Founder of Gabby.

Prior to joining Gabriella White, Jim served in various executive positions at Ralph Lauren, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. His roles included Vice President & Managing Director - Ralph Lauren Europe and Senior Vice President Stores US. Jim's tenure at Ralph Lauren was marked by significant achievements, including driving operational excellence and revenue growth across multiple regions. In addition to his tenure at Ralph Lauren, Jim has held prominent positions at renowned companies such as Brown Jordan, where he served as Division President, and One Kings Lane, where he served as Vice President Omni-Channel Retail and acted as Interim President. His diverse background encompasses expertise in omni-channel retail strategy, store operations, and executive leadership.

Jim's commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices is evident through his role as Executive Chairman of Amour Vert, a sustainable fashion brand. He also serves on the boards of Flaire and Gabriella White (2020-present), providing invaluable insights and strategic guidance.  Earlier this year, Jim assumed the role as Interim Chief Marketing Officer and has been instrumental with assisting with onboarding Kirsten Darrow as the new Chief Marketing Officer.

In his new role as Chief Retail Officer at Gabriella White, Jim will be responsible for driving the company's retail strategy forward, enhancing the customer experience, and fostering continued growth and innovation across all retail channels.  Jim's extensive experience and proven track record of success in the retail industry make him the ideal leader to drive retail initiatives. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to further elevate the brand and deliver exceptional experiences to customers. Jim will be stationed primarily in Birmingham.

On April 8th, 2024, Gabriella White welcomed a new Chief Marketing Officer, Kirsten Darrow. Kirsten brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the team. 

Throughout Kirsten’s distinguished career, she has demonstrated remarkable proficiency in driving marketing strategies, enhancing brand visibility, and fostering customer engagement.  Her extensive background includes pivotal roles such as Vice President of Marketing and Group Vice President of Marketing, Merchandising, and Ecommerce at Fred Meyer/Littman Jewelers where they spearheaded initiatives that propelled business growth and fostered strong partnerships both nationally and internationally.

With a keen eye for innovation and a proven track record of success, Kirsten has consistently led teams to surpass expectations, aligning organizational strategies and delivering impactful results. Her dedication to excellence and collaborative leadership style will inspire and elevate Gabriella White’s marketing efforts to new heights.

We look forward to leveraging her expertise as we continue to innovate, grow, and exceed our goals.  She and her husband, Duane, have relocated to the Birmingham area from Clearwater, FL. 

About Gabriella White
With a legacy spanning over 35 years, Gabriella White continues to excel as a premier manufacturer of luxury furniture and accessories, each product meticulously designed to blend form and function for enduring comfort and style. From wholesale and contract manufacturing origins, the company has upheld rigorous testing standards and certifications, driven by a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. 

Founded in 1987 by Bew White, Gabriella White prioritizes customer relationships, embodying a spirit of Southern hospitality that permeates its beloved brands, including Summer Classics, Gabby, and Wendy Jane.