Anthropologie CEO David McCreight to exit

By

Robin Driver

Published
Apr 6, 2018

Philadelphia-based lifestyle group Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) announced on Thursday the departure of David McCreight, CEO of apparel retailer Anthropologie Group and president, URBN, who will be leaving the company on April 27, 2018.
 

Following McCreight’s exit, Hillary Super, Anthropologie Group president for apparel and accessories, which includes beauty and BHLDN, will lead the brand alongside Andrew Carnie, Anthropologie Group president for home, garden and international.
 
“Both Hillary and Andrew are strong leaders and excellent merchants with a solid understanding of the Anthropologie customer”, said URBN President and CEO Richard A. Hayne in a release. “Anthropologie Group’s current business is particularly robust, and we are excited about both the near and longer-term opportunities for growth under their leadership.”

Before taking on the role of Anthropologie Group CEO in November 2011, McCreight served as president of Under Armour from 2008 to 2010, and held a number of leadership positions at Land’s End, Inc., including president, EVP of merchandising and SVP of core merchandising. Prior to this he also worked at Sears and Disney Stores Worldwide.
 
During McCreight’s six-year stint at Anthropologie Group, the company saw revenue grow more than 35% and opened 60 new stores.
 
As of March 31, 2018, URBN operates 226 Anthropologie Group locations in the United States, Canada and Europe, along with 247 Urban Outfitters stores, 132 Free People stores and 10 Food and Beverage restaurants.
 
Anthropologie Group and Free People products are also available worldwide through some 2,100 department and specialty stores.
 
Anthropologie Group’s net sales rose 5% in Q4, compared to the prior-year period, contributing to record sales growth for URBN.

However, profits for Anthropologie’s parent company were disappointing, falling to $1.3 million in the fourth quarter ending January 31, 2018, from the $64.3 million reported in Q4 of the previous year.