Rent the Runway makes executive team changes

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jan 17, 2023

Online clothing rental firm Rent the Runway announced on Monday executive team changes starting with the promotion of chief supply chain officer, Brian Donato, to the newly created role of chief revenue officer. 

In this role, Donato will be responsible for the brand’s growth strategy, as well as formulating and achieving RTR’s topline targets. He will oversee brand and growth marketing, revenue strategy, creative and customer experience, and will report to RTR president and COO Anushka Salinas.

Donato first joined RTR in early 2020. As chief supply chain officer, he is credited for helping to reduce fulfillment expenses and costs. His other accomplishments include the launch of an at-home pickup program, and the further expansion of automation in RTR fulfillment centers. Prior to joining RTR, Donato was SVP, operations at Bowery Farming, a vertical farming company, and served in various capacities at amazon.com.

Likewise, Drew Rau, who currently serves in the role of VP, inventory performance, will expand his remit and become a part of the RTR executive team as SVP, supply chain and inventory. Rau, who joined RTR in November 2021, oversees the financial performance of RTR’s inventory program. Prior to that, Rau managed RTR’s transportation, topology capacity management and planning, and loss management teams. 

His new role will expand to the oversight of RTR’s logistics operation, inclusive of reverse logistics, warehousing, inventory restoration, transportation, and distribution network diversification/expansion. Prior to joining RTR, Rau held various operational and planning roles at Overstock.com, Bowery Farming and Amazon. 

The appointments come as the brand continues to prioritize sustainable growth and reinvests in the customer experience in 2023.

“I am thrilled to elevate Brian and Drew into new roles as we embark on what we believe will be a transformative year for Rent the Runway,” said Jennifer Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway. 

“As exceptional leaders who operate with versatility, tenacity and unwavering focus on results, Brian and Drew are a testament to the caliber of talent we have on board at Rent the Runway.”