Kirk Palmer Associates

About Us

Kirk Palmer Associates is a global executive search partner to the world’s leading consumer brands. Founded in 1987, we are industry specialists with a focus on retail, fashion, beauty, and consumer companies of all sizes and stages.

No one knows this talent community better than we do. With thousands of placements to show for it, we have spent the last forty years building deep and trusted relationships with the industry’s top executives, and many consider us to be career-long advisors and friends. This depth enables us to access, assess, and reference candidates in a way no other firm can.

Our work spans a broad range of CEO and C-Suite through VP-level roles across a vast array of functions, categories, and geographies.

Our partners are recognized for delivering exceptional service, constant momentum, a disciplined process, 24/7 responsiveness, and complete transparency.

In addition to our executive search services, we play a vital role in connecting our global retail and consumer brand community through the publication of our Daily News Brief.

Our values:

Trust
The work we do changes lives. That’s why our relationships and reputation within the industry are so vital to our work. We put extraordinary care into continuously earning the trust that has been the foundation of our business for almost four decades.

Respect
The way we treat people differentiates us. We’ve built a powerful brand around the simple philosophy that everyone we engage should be treated with dignity, respect, and an appreciation for differences.

Tenacity
With hard work as our firm-wide ethos, we’re relentless about doing the right thing in the right way. We communicate constantly, we seek far beyond the obvious, we follow up tirelessly, and we hold each other to the highest standards of quality and truth-seeking throughout each step of every search.

Inclusion
We know inclusion is an action, and it doesn’t happen without intention. As part of our longstanding commitment to present the right candidates – not just the obvious ones – we continuously grow our community with diverse talent that brings a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.

Passion
We’re more than industry experts – we’re customers, advocates, and fans. Our love of brand and the industry infuses each partnership with palpable energy and momentum from beginning to end. We adhere to the highest professional standards, and we also have fun.

Recent Placements

Kirk Palmer Associates

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Expertise With Charisma

Clients describe us as authentic, knowledgeable, and fun industry experts. Candidates say our genuine care for the people we place sets us apart.

To learn more about our full team please click here

Kirk Palmer Associates

Solutions And Expertise

We are industry specialists with a broad and deep network of relationships spanning every channel and category of retail, fashion and beauty.

We work at the intersection of people and commerce, placing leaders in brands at every stage of growth.

Solutions
  • Advisory Services
  • Assessment
  • Board Services
  • Career Services
  • Data Analy./Mrkt. Intell.
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Executive Search
  • Executive Tracker
  • Leadership Consulting
  • Leadership Develop.
  • Mgmt. Consulting
  • Onboarding
  • Org. Chart Mapping
  • Recruitment Research
  • Succession Planning
Industries
  • Consumer
  • Consumer Products
  • Consumer Services
  • Luxury
  • Private Equity
  • Restaurants
  • Retail
  • Travel, Hosp. & Leisure
  • Venture Capital
Functions
  • Board/Governance
  • Business Development
  • CEO/President
  • Communications/PR
  • Development
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Finance/Accounting
  • General Management
  • GM/Operations
  • Human Resources
  • Information/Digital
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Supply Chain

Kirk Palmer Associates

News Briefings

Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates

Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus

Kirk Palmer Associates Assists Holt Renfrew with CEO Search

Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Franco Savastano as president and CEO of Canadian luxury retailer Holt Renfrew. The search was led by Kyle Rudy. He succeeds Sebastian Picardo, who stepped down effective September 30, 2025, after five years at the helm. The appointment is expected to usher in a new

Kirk Palmer Associates Fills CEO Post for Chico’s FAS

Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has placed Trish Donnelly as division chief executive officer of Chico’s FAS, the women’s wear retailer owned by the KnitWell Group. The search was led by managing director, Jaimee Marshall. Ms. Donnelly will oversee all product and customer-facing functions for the Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market brands,

Kirk Palmer Associates Places Chief Commercial Officer at PetSmart

Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has recruited Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of PetSmart. Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer led the assignment. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” said Ken Hicks, president and CEO of PetSmart. “She has

Kirk Palmer Associates

Press Releases

Ali Dillon joins Victoria’s Secret as President, PINK

Victoria’s Secret appointed Ali Dillon as President of PINK, tasked with driving innovation and impact for the brand as part of the company’s strategic vision for growth. Dillon brings more than two decades of global fashion experience to the role, marked by a strong blend of leadership, strategic innovation, and brand development. She most recently

Emily Coleman joins MALIN+GOETZ as Chief Executive Officer

The luxury skincare and fragrance brand named Emily Coleman as Chief Executive Officer. She joins the brand from Chantecaille Beauté where she developed its long-term global strategy as CEO. Coleman is an international leader in luxury beauty who has spent over 20 years honing her skills in general management, marketing, and eCommerce, among other areas.

Randy Greben joins Fossil Group as Chief Financial Officer

The global accessories company named Randy Greben as Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, Greben will oversee the company’s overall financial strategy and spearhead its financial turnaround and transformation. Greben joins Fossil (NASDAQ: FOSL) with over two decades of financial leadership expertise and a track record of successful business transformations. He most recently held

Rupert Campbell joins Crocs as Chief Commercial Officer, HEYDUDE

The casual footwear brand has appointed Rupert Campbell as Chief Commercial Officer for HEYDUDE. Campbell is a global sports, entertainment, and fashion executive whose contributions and leadership have enhanced revenue and branding. Campbell is an Adidas veteran, holding various leadership roles in major hubs, including Russia, Germany, North America, and the UK. He was most