Julia Ripperger
New York,NY
Summary
Seasoned communications and business strategy leader with experience guiding internal and external communications, brand positioning, and operational planning across global apparel brands and healthcare institutions. Proven ability to align messaging with organizational priorities, manage P&L performance, and lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance reputation, drive engagement and support long-term growth.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Director-Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Danielides Communication, Inc.
New York, New York
05.2015 - Current
- Advise senior leadership and advancement teams on crisis communications, public campaigns, and donor messaging.
- Secure 100+ top-tier media placements (6 months) aligned with institutional priorities.
- Drive digital strategy, increasing social medial following by 25% and engagement by 40%
- Lead press events and high-profile media appearances.
- Translate media data and public sentiment into strategic guidance for leadership decision-making.
Senior Vice President- Integrated Brand Strategies
PVH Corporation – Calvin Klein
New York, New York
07.2012 - 05.2015
- Directed regional merchandising strategy across the Americas, driving 25% revenue growth.
- Improved product development timelines by 3 months through workflow redesign.
- Owned full P&L, expanding gross margins by 10%
- Led brand positioning through integrated product storytelling and public relations.
Vice President–Design and Product Development
VF Corporation – Nautica Sportswear
New York, New York
08.2007 - 07.2012
- Directed relaunch of Nautica women's collection, aligning brand and merchandising strategy.
- Drove 30% unit volume growth while reducing vendor costs by 15%.
- Led showroom, retail, and media presentations to enhance execution and support multi-channel revenue growth.
- Reduced markdowns by 20% through strategic inventory planning.
Vice President – Merchandising
DKNY Jeans - Liz Claiborne Inc.
New York, New York
01.2002 - 08.2007
- Directed global brand strategy to expand DKNY Jeans international presence.
- Unified retail and media messaging, strengthening a consistent global client experience.
- Oversaw visual merchandising and seasonal presentation strategy across markets.
- Led assortment architecture and pricing strategy, driving 28% growth in licensing channels.
Director of Business Planning – Menswear
Liz Claiborne Inc.
01.1991 - 01.2002
- Held progressive leadership roles across merchandising, product development, and planning within the menswear division.
- Led financial and assortment planning for multiple categories, introducing forecasting models that improved sales predictability.
- Implemented just-in-time inventory strategies, reducing excess stock by 20% and increasing stock turns by 15%.
- Partnered with licensing, operations, and sales to scale product launches and align planning with revenue goals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Columbia University
07-2027
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
New York University
01-2007
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) -
Fashion Institute of Technology
01-1996
Timeline
Director-Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Danielides Communication, Inc.
05.2015 - Current
Senior Vice President- Integrated Brand Strategies
PVH Corporation – Calvin Klein
07.2012 - 05.2015
Vice President–Design and Product Development
VF Corporation – Nautica Sportswear
08.2007 - 07.2012
Vice President – Merchandising
DKNY Jeans - Liz Claiborne Inc.
01.2002 - 08.2007
Director of Business Planning – Menswear
Liz Claiborne Inc.
01.1991 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Columbia University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
New York University
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) -
Fashion Institute of Technology