J.Jill names Coach veteran new marketing chief

J.Jill has announced the appointment of Kimberly Wallengren to the role of senior vice president, chief marketing officer, effective April 27.

In her new role, Wallengren will work to boost the U.S. womenswear retailer’s next phase of growth “through the evolution of brand positioning, expanding customer reach and deepening consumer engagement,” according to a press release.

She will report directly to CEO and president, Mary Ellen Coyne.

Wallengren’s hire comes as the Quincy, Massachusetts-based company looks to strengthen its marketing leadership and organization, as it unites brand, creative and marketing together under one executive leader. 

A brand development expert, Wallengren joins J.Jill from several years at Coach, most recently serving as VP of marketing for North America.

Prior to Coach, Wallengren served as head of marketing for American Eagle’s AE77 sustainable premium denim brand,. She has also previously held leadership roles at Adidas and New Balance.

“We’re excited to welcome Kimberly to J.Jill as we focus on expanding brand awareness and growing our customer file,” said Mary Ellen Coyne, CEO and president of J.Jill.

“Kimberly brings a strong track record of leading marketing strategies that have attracted new audiences and strengthened engagement with existing customers. She has a deep understanding of today’s consumer and a proven ability to translate these insights into impactful campaigns and more effective ways to reach and engage customers, which will be critical as we look to our next phase of growth.”

Last year, J.Jill announced the appointment of Viv Rettke to the newly created role of chief growth officer, effective November 19.