SVP (Senior Vice President) of AI Innovation

The Senior Vice President of AI Innovation will define and lead the enterprise-wide AI strategy for one of the world’s leading fashion apparel, accessories and lifestyle companies. This newly created role will ensure that AI becomes a competitive advantage across design, sourcing, supply chain, finance and all selling channels, wholesale, e-commerce, and retail stores. Reporting directly to the CIO, the SVP will work in close partnership with the CEO, COO, CFO, divisional presidents, and the Technology team’s AI Garage to turn ideas into scalable solutions. The leader will combine deep knowledge of enterprise data, consumer and trend signals, and emerging AI capabilities to fuel growth, streamline operations, and reimagine the way fashion is created, marketed, and sold.

Enterprise AI Strategy & Leadership

• Define and drive the AI Strategy and Roadmap for the enterprise, ensuring alignment with business growth priorities across wholesale, e-commerce, and retail channels.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities where AI can transform product design, demand forecasting, sourcing, merchandising, customer experience, and supply chain optimization.
• Serve as the executive sponsor for AI innovation, ensuring responsible, ethical, and secure deployment across the enterprise.

Fashion & Consumer Innovation

• Leverage internal data (product performance, sell-through, consumer behavior, supply chain, financials) and external trend signals (social sentiment, influencer data, runway, competitor benchmarking, macroeconomic indicators) to design predictive and generative AI tools.
• Oversee the creation of AI-enabled solutions that:
  • Inspire and accelerate design and trend adoption.
  • Optimize sourcing, vendor negotiations, and sustainability practices.
  • Enhance assortment planning, pricing, and promotions.
  • Personalize digital and in-store consumer experiences.
  • Improve inventory flow, allocation, and omni-channel performance.

Value Realization & ROI

• Build a disciplined framework for measuring ROI, cost savings, revenue lift, and soft benefits from AI initiatives.
• Partner with Finance to track and communicate the impact of AI investments.
• Ensure ongoing refinement of AI tools to maximize adoption and business value.

Enablement & Change Leadership

• Lead enterprise-wide AI training and enablement programs to build literacy, confidence, and adoption across all business units — from design and merchandising to store operations.
• Evangelize AI as a driver of competitive differentiation, both internally and externally, positioning the company as an industry leader in fashion AI innovation.
• Build strong partnerships across Technology, Data, Digital, and Business teams to ensure seamless translation of business needs into technical execution.

External Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

• Cultivate a network of AI technology partners, startups, academic institutions, and industry consortia to accelerate innovation.
• Establish strategic alliances with big tech providers (cloud, AI platforms, data providers) to ensure access to cutting-edge tools and scalable infrastructure.
• Pilot and integrate emerging AI solutions from the startup ecosystem, rapidly testing applications in design, sourcing, customer engagement, and operations.
• Represent the company as an industry thought leader, shaping the role of AI in the future of fashion and retail.

• 15+ years of senior leadership in technology, digital transformation, or enterprise innovation with proven experience in retail, apparel, or consumer products.
• 5+ years of hands-on AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics leadership.
• Track record of designing and scaling AI/analytics solutions in a multi-channel consumer business (fashion, retail, wholesale, or e-commerce preferred).
• Deep familiarity with AI applications in PLM, sourcing, demand forecasting, merchandising, supply chain, personalization, and consumer engagement.
• Experience integrating internal enterprise data with external trend, social, and market intelligence to generate actionable insights.
• Strong external network across AI vendors, research institutions, and innovation partners.

Leadership Attributes

• Visionary leader who can connect AI innovation with creative and commercial outcomes.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence C-suite and divisional presidents.
• Collaborative, cross-functional leader who thrives at the intersection of technology, creativity, and commerce.
• Inspirational communicator and change agent who can drive adoption and cultural transformation at scale.

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $280,000 - $375,000

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.

Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated. Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

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