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Priya Kirpalani
Senior Director of Merchandising, Old Navy Women's
Professional Background
Priya Kirpalani boasts an impressive career in apparel merchandising, with over thirteen years of extensive experience in both retail and wholesale sectors. She has made significant contributions to major brands such as Gap, VINCE, Manduka, and Old Navy. Her career trajectory showcases a rich blend of skills across merchandising, design, and product development, allowing her to engage in diverse and complex areas of the fashion industry. Priya has adeptly managed global assortments and teams, ensuring that brand messaging and imagery remain consistent across various international markets.
Priya has successfully navigated through various roles, leading her to the esteemed position of Senior Director at Old Navy. Her previous positions include Director of Merchandising at Old Navy, Director of Product at Manduka, and Merchandise Manager at Vince Outlet. Each of these roles has equipped her with unique insights and expertise, establishing her as a leader in the field of apparel merchandising.
Her experience spans multiple divisions of apparel including women's and men's clothing, accessories, and hard goods. She is proficient in handling an exceptional range of apparel categories such as dresses, tops, woven bottoms, outerwear, denim, knits, sweaters, and activewear. Throughout her career, Priya has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence, innovation, and strategic thinking, pivotal in successfully executing comprehensive merchandising strategies.
Education and Achievements
Priya Kirpalani holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Merchandising and Business from Indiana University Bloomington, where she laid the foundation for her knowledge in the fashion industry. Additionally, she has furthered her education with supplementary courses in International Business and Marketing at Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. This unique blend of academic credentials has provided Priya with a global perspective on business practices and market trends within fashion.
Her professional journey also includes a significant involvement in academia; she has served as an instructor at the School of Fashion at the Academy of Art University. This role allowed her to share her extensive knowledge and passion for merchandising with the next generation of fashion professionals.
Notable Achievements
Priya's dedication and expertise have been further recognized through her diverse contributions across top-tier fashion houses. As a Senior Director at Old Navy, she leads cross-functional teams to ensure the brand resonates with a broad audience while maintaining its unique voice in a competitive market. Her prior roles at Gap Inc. exemplify her proficiency in strategic merchandising, having progressed from an Assistant Merchandiser to a Global Senior Merchandiser within the organization. Priya's work has led to innovative product assortments that not only meet customer demands but also enhance brand loyalty.
Her ability to combine creativity with analytical skills has been integral in driving sales and positioning brands effectively within their respective markets. Priya’s extensive knowledge of global consumer trends and agile adaptability in a fast-paced industry showcase her as a true advocate for the brands she represents. Her commitment to ensuring consistent brand imagery across diverse geographical locations highlights her exceptional ability to lead and inspire teams towards unified goals.
