Walmart appoints Denise Incandela as EVP of apparel

By

Robin Driver

Published
Feb 22, 2021

American retail giant Walmart has named Denise Incandela, the current SVP for the company’s women's group, elevated brands, and e-tailers/DTCs, as the new head of its apparel business.

In her new role as executive vice president of apparel and private brands, Incandela will be tasked with overseeing the company’s apparel offerings across all channels, as well as private brands in all of the retailer’s general merchandising categories. This includes hardlines, entertainment, toys, home and seasonal categories.
 
Incandela came to Walmart as SVP and group general manager of the company’s e-commerce fashion group, elevated brands and e-tailers / DTCs in 2017. Since joining the retailer, she has been responsible for a notable expansion in its fashion offering, having been the driving force behind the launch of both original lines, such as Free Assembly, and collaborations with celebrities, including Walmart’s denim partnership with Sofia Vergara.

Prior to Walmart, the retail veteran served as interim CEO at women’s footwear brand Aerosoles in 2017. Her previous experience also includes a two-and-a-half-year stint as president of global digital and CIEM at Ralph Lauren, and 14 years at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she served as EVP and president of Saks Direct for 12 years, before becoming EVP and chief marketing officer.
 
The executive, who holds a BS from Boston College and an MBA from the Wharton School, also worked as senior engagement manager at management consulting firm McKinsey & Company from 1992 to 1999.
 
“Denise is an experienced retailer with incredibly deep fashion and apparel expertise, having over 20 years growing and transforming retail brands,” said Walmart EVP and chief merchandising officer Scott McCall in an internal memo cited by WWD on Friday.
 
“She’s been recognized across the industry for her innovation and vision, leadership of teams and delivering results,” he added.
 
McCall also commented on Incandela’s time at Walmart, highlighting her “digital mind-set,” customer-focused approach and decision-making skills.
 
“I’m thrilled to be leading apparel and private brands for Walmart,” Incandela told WWD in a statement. “Since joining the company, I’ve been focused on establishing Walmart as a destination for fashion — a place where customers can discover quality, on-trend fashion no matter their style or budget.”