ELENA MUGNAI
Wellington
Summary
Luxury retail executive with extensive leadership experience across U.S. and European markets, partnering closely with CEOs and global headquarters to drive brand growth and operational excellence. Recognized for building and scaling high-performing regions through elevated clienteling, CRM-driven relationship strategies, flagship development, and seamless omnichannel execution. A people-first leader known for cultivating exceptional teams, strengthening brand culture, and delivering sustainable, long-term performance aligned with luxury house values.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF RETAIL – U.S. | HEAD OF STORES
PINKO
06.2024 - Current
- Full ownership of U.S. retail operations and P&L across flagship, full-price, outlet, and department-store Doors.
- Delivered +58% YoY revenue growth through CRM-led clienteling, assortment strategy, and localized market execution. Led all U.S. marketing activities, defining local strategy and execution in alignment with global brand guidelines.
- Initiated and secured high-impact media collaborations with leading luxury magazines and TV channels, significantly increasing brand awareness, visibility, and market relevance in key U.S. luxury markets.
- Developed and executed PR-driven events, influencer activations, and media moments to support store openings, peak trading periods, and VIC engagement.
- Acted as the primary U.S. liaison between Retail, Marketing, PR, and HQ, ensuring cohesive storytelling across physical, digital, and media channels.
- Spearheaded a U.S. CRM transformation, increasing repeat business, cross-store purchasing, and high-value client retention.
- Accelerated omnichannel performance, improving digital-to-store conversion by +60% vs LY.
- Defined FY25–FY27 U.S. expansion and brand growth strategy in partnership with global leadership. Negotiated premium leases and renewals, optimizing occupancy costs while strengthening brand positioning. Built and mentored a national leadership pipeline, developing Store Directors and Regional leaders.
- U.S. Business Volume: ~$60M
- Reporting To: CEO & Global HQ (Italy)
General Manager – Flagship Store
RALPH LAUREN
05.2023 - 06.2024
- Transformed Palm Beach location to Official Flagship Status.
- Built one of the strongest CRM & VIC programs in the region, significantly increasing repeat spend and top-client penetration.
- Positioned store as a luxury destination through exclusive client events and local partnerships. Oversaw all divisions (Women’s, Men’s, Home, Polo) with full accountability for sales, people, and brand standards.
Country Manager – U.S.
PESERICO
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Initially hired to manage a $20M U.S. business; rapidly expanded scope to full U.S. responsibility, including 80+ boutiques, department-store doors, and digital channels.
- Delivered +50% YoY revenue growth through CRM discipline, luxury client segmentation, and national training programs.
- Unified strategy across retail, wholesale, and digital, improving scalability and execution.
- Led 5 new store openings across CA, FL, and Northeast markets.
- Renegotiated leases, achieving 30% reduction in occupancy costs.
District Director – Northeast
PINKO
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Reporting To: U.S. CEO
- Managed multiple boutiques and department-store concessions.
- Led launch of first U.S. flagship (SoHo) and Hamptons seasonal pop-up, expanding brand visibility in key luxury markets.
Manager, Leather Goods
LOUIS VUITTON
12.2019 - 10.2021
- Senior leadership role in high-volume locations focused on elite client development, VIC retention, and cross-functional execution.
Department Manager
NEIMAN MARCUS
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Full ownership of a $16M annual business, consistently exceeding sales and profitability targets.
- Business Volume: $16M
Area Manager
LIU JO Italy
01.2016 - 06.2018
Area Manager
PINKO Italy
08.2013 - 01.2016
Regional Manager EMEA
ALPHA STUDIO
01.2009 - 07.2013
Area Manager, Footwear Division
GUESS Europe
05.2005 - 07.2009
Education
Degree - Mathematics and Computer Science
Skills
- Enterprise P&L Ownership
- CRM, Clienteling & VIC Growth Strategy
- Multi-Store & Department Store Leadership
- Flagship Development & Brand Elevation
- US Market Expansion
- CEO / Global HQ Reporting
- Omnichannel & Digital-to-Store Conversion
- Talent Development & Succession Planning
- Lease Negotiation & Real Estate Strategy
- Marketing strategy and development
Websites
LANGUAGES
Italian (Native)
English (Advanced)
Spanish (Intermediate)
French (Basic)
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF RETAIL – U.S. | HEAD OF STORES
PINKO
06.2024 - Current
General Manager – Flagship Store
RALPH LAUREN
05.2023 - 06.2024
Country Manager – U.S.
PESERICO
02.2022 - 05.2023
District Director – Northeast
PINKO
10.2021 - 02.2022
Manager, Leather Goods
LOUIS VUITTON
12.2019 - 10.2021
Department Manager
NEIMAN MARCUS
07.2018 - 12.2019
Area Manager
LIU JO Italy
01.2016 - 06.2018
Area Manager
PINKO Italy
08.2013 - 01.2016
Regional Manager EMEA
ALPHA STUDIO
01.2009 - 07.2013
Area Manager, Footwear Division
GUESS Europe
05.2005 - 07.2009