A woman of Korean descent has been appointed as the North America president of global fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger.
Tommy Hilfiger announced the appointment of Sophia Hwang-Judiesch as the brand’s North America President in a press release on December 13.
Hwang-Judiesch will assume her role as President of North America on January 8, 2024.
Stefan Larsson, CEO of PVH said, “I am thrilled Sophia is joining us to unlock the full potential of the Tommy Hilfiger business in North America. Sophia’s proven track record of driving profitable, omnichannel growth and enhancing the brand experience at every touch point will be critical as we get closer to consumers than ever before. With Sophia leading Tommy Hilfiger North America and Donald Kohler leading Calvin Klein North America, we now have the leadership strength in place for the North America unlock of both brands.”
Judiesh stepped down in November after serving as president of Hudson’s Bay Department Store in Canada.
She was previously vice president of beauty strategy at beauty retailer Ulta, where she led the launch of Ulta Beauty in Target stores.
She also held Senior Vice President & Country Manager Canada at Carter’s and country manager roles at fashion brand Esprit.
Judiesch was born in 1967 to parents who immigrated to Atlanta, Georgia from South Korea and moved to Canada at the age of four.
She began her fashion career at the age of 16 as a sales associate at Le Chateau, a renowned Canadian boutique. “I have always strived for recognition as a woman and a person of color,” she told Business of Fashion, “and I wanted to break the stereotype that Asian female leaders are obedient and unambitious.”
BY YEJIN KIM, Junhan Park [kim.yejin3@koreadaily.com]
