KnitWell Strengthens Leadership with Sarah Evans as CHRO

Sarah Evans has been named as Knitwell’s new CHRO, while also joining the executive committee to lead HR operations across the company’s portfolio of eight American apparel brands: Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, and White House Black Market.

Through taking the role, Sarah will take charge of the full HR portfolio for KnitWell and its brands, while leading HR business partnership, talent strategy and acquisition, total rewards, and HR information systems. 

By joining KnitWell, Sarah will bring extensive HR experience, after years of working in large, complex, multi-channel businesses across both public and private company environments. 

Sarah will also help guide KnitWell’s corporate communications, belonging, and philanthropy efforts.

The KnitWell Group, a holding company established by Sycamore Partners, comprises several prominent fashion brands and generates approximately $6 billion in annual sales.

Shaping the future of work and culture at scale

Prior to joining KnitWell, Sarah served as Ocean Spray’s CHRO for more than five years, a role in which she led the global HR and corporate communications function. 

Before Ocean Spray, she held senior HR leadership roles at Terminix, a pest control company, and Walmart, an American retail giant. Through these roles, Sarah supported between 4,000 to more than two million employees worldwide. 

Taking to LinkedIn, Sarah said: “After an incredible chapter with Ocean Spray Cranberries, I'm thrilled to share that I've joined KnitWell Group as Chief Human Resources Officer.

“Ocean Spray is a truly special organisation, and I am deeply grateful for the team members and grower-owners who supported me and made the work so meaningful.

“I'm energised to step into this next chapter with KnitWell Group; an organisation with iconic brands, strong leadership, and a compelling opportunity to shape the future of work and culture at scale.”

Sarah continued to express that she is “especially excited” to work with and support the frontline associates who bring KnitWell brands to life, while serving “the customers who know and love them.”

Matching Sarah’s excitement, Lizanne Kindler, Executive Chair and CEO of KnitWell added: “Sarah is an exceptional leader and a great addition to our executive team.

“Her experience spans consumer goods, services and retail, and she has led organisations of extraordinary scale and complexity. And in every role, Sarah’s focus on driving the best outcomes for associates and the business has cemented her reputation for building high-performing teams and cultures. We are thrilled to welcome her to KnitWell.”

The KnitWell Group is also passionate about empowering women and building meaningful, lasting customer relationships. 

For example, the business recently partnered with Breast Cancer Research Foundation to launch the ‘Sisterhood of Strength campaign’ – which included all eight of KnitWell’s apparel brands.

“Joining KnitWell is an exciting opportunity to help shape a company that is both grounded in heritage and focused on the future,” Sarah explains. 

“With eight iconic brands, millions of loyal customers, and an incredibly talented team, KnitWell has tremendous potential to continue evolving and growing. I look forward to partnering across the organisation to build an environment where our people and our brands can thrive.”

The KnitWell Group is a leading portfolio of iconic American fashion brands, which serves more than 21 million loyal customers nationwide. 

As one of the largest speciality apparel companies in the United States, KnitWell is focused on inspiring customers, empowering associates, and creating a positive impact across the retail landscape. 

KnitWell states that it has a firm commitment to “creating exceptional products, memorable experiences, and superior results.”

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