Urban Outfitters brand president steps down

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Dec 3, 2022

Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters, Inc. announced on Friday that Francis Pierrel, president, Urban Outfitters Group, has left the company.

“We appreciate the contributions he made during his tenure and wish him well in his future endeavors,” the company said in a news statement. 

Pierrel joined the company less than a year ago from Club Monaco, where he served as chief executive officer. As president, he was tasked with overseeing the brand in North America and reported directly to Sheila Harrington, global chief executive officer of Urban Outfitters and the Free People Group.

He is credited for having extensive omni-channel retailing and wholesale experience, having worked previously as president of stores and e-commerce for Ralph Lauren in North America, as well as holding senior roles at Lacoste and Diesel across the U.S. and Europe.

“I am pleased to welcome Francis to our company and the Urban Outfitters brand,” said Richard Hayne, chief executive officer of Urban Outfitters, Inc, at the time of his appointment, back in February.

“He is a seasoned omni-channel retail executive with deep experience in managing iconic brands across all channels - e-commerce, stores, and wholesale. We believe his strong leadership will greatly benefit the Urban Outfitters brand.”

Last month, Urban Outfitters, Inc. announced revenues for the third quarter increased by almost 4%, fueled by strong comparable sales at the apparel company's Anthropologie and Free People brands.

By brand, comparable retail sales decreased 9% at Urban Outfitters, however, while wholesale sales for the brand climbed 6%.