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Carter's names Douglas Palladini as CEO to drive growth amid retail challenges
Carter's Credits: Facebook/Carter's Childrenwear retailer Carter's has announced a leadership change amidst a challenging retail landscape. Douglas Palladini is set to take the helm as CEO and president, effective April 3, 2025, signaling a move to bolster the company's direct-to-consumer and global presence. Palladini most recently served as founder and owner of Kickstand, a consulting firm specializing in brand strategy, executive coaching, and organizational design. He previously spent nearly 20 years at V.F. Corporation. This appointment comes at a crucial time for Carter's, which, like many retailers, has faced pressures from fluctuating consumer spending and evolving market dynamics. While the company maintains a strong brand recognition, it aims to reignite growth and enhance its competitive edge. "After a comprehensive search, we are thrilled to appoint Doug Palladini as CEO of Carter’s," said William J. Montgoris, non-executive chairman of the board. He added saying: “Doug’s remarkable track record of growing brands, his deep understanding of consumer-driven strategies, and his expertise in creating global brand connections will be invaluable as we continue to build upon Carter’s strong foundation.” As global brand president of Vans, a division of V.F. Corporation, he more than doubled global revenue, reaching over 4.2 billion dollars in less than six years. He achieved this by expanding retail operations, boosting e-commerce, and diversifying product offerings. This experience is expected to be instrumental in revitalizing Carter's direct-to-consumer channels and strengthening its international footprint. “I am eager to continue to advance the important work underway in our retail and wholesale businesses, further build upon Carter’s brand equity, and create lasting connections with our customers through accelerated relevance, inspiring products, and meaningful storytelling,” Palladini said.
Childrenwear retailer Carter's has announced a leadership change amidst a challenging retail landscape. Douglas Palladini is set to take the helm as CEO and president, effective April 3, 2025, signaling a move to bolster the company's direct-to-consumer and global presence.
Palladini most recently served as founder and owner of Kickstand, a consulting firm specializing in brand strategy, executive coaching, and organizational design. He previously spent nearly 20 years at V.F. Corporation.
This appointment comes at a crucial time for Carter's, which, like many retailers, has faced pressures from fluctuating consumer spending and evolving market dynamics. While the company maintains a strong brand recognition, it aims to reignite growth and enhance its competitive edge.
"After a comprehensive search, we are thrilled to appoint Doug Palladini as CEO of Carter’s," said William J. Montgoris, non-executive chairman of the board. He added saying: “Doug’s remarkable track record of growing brands, his deep understanding of consumer-driven strategies, and his expertise in creating global brand connections will be invaluable as we continue to build upon Carter’s strong foundation.”
As global brand president of Vans, a division of V.F. Corporation, he more than doubled global revenue, reaching over 4.2 billion dollars in less than six years. He achieved this by expanding retail operations, boosting e-commerce, and diversifying product offerings. This experience is expected to be instrumental in revitalizing Carter's direct-to-consumer channels and strengthening its international footprint.
“I am eager to continue to advance the important work underway in our retail and wholesale businesses, further build upon Carter’s brand equity, and create lasting connections with our customers through accelerated relevance, inspiring products, and meaningful storytelling,” Palladini said.
