From Montreal to Toronto and now Australia, Carrie Kirkman is not only a recognized expert in the fashion and retail industry, but also an inspirational force. With over 25 years of brand management experience for top womenswear brands, Carrie has established herself as a Canadian and international business leader.
She is now transitioning from the North American fashion and retail industry to Australia. Joining the Senior Leadership Team at Target Australia in 2023, Carrie is making the move overseeing a $2 billion portfolio as CEO, Chief Merchandiser – and ready to make her mark.
Carrie’s love for the fashion world began in 1985 when she left the modeling industry to pursue a career in corporate fashion management. Her passion for the womenswear industry was nurtured through a position leading a Montreal-based sales agency representing brands such as Alfred Sung and Ports International. From managing small independent accounts to large national specialty chains in Eastern Canada, Carrie spent 5 years expanding her knowledge of fashion and brand management. After gaining experience in wholesale management, Carrie brought her skills to Toronto where she joined Liz Claiborne Canada in 1997 as National Sales Manager and Director of Merchandising, managing the wholesale assortment strategy for brands such as DKNY, Liz Claiborne and Kenneth Cole .
Carrie joined the Hudson’s Bay Company in 2002 and one of her most notable achievements during her tenure was re-engineering the womenswear business strategy to attract better brands, rebalancing the brand space to maximize apparel sales and deliver significant sales growth. She then moved on to other high-level roles that delivered results. Carrie joined Zellers in 2009 as head of the “Women’s World” team and achieved $30 million in sales growth in her first 18 months and implemented a plan to increase sales by 40% in 2010 as president and CEO of Jones New York. Canada.
With years of experience leading teams at the highest level, Carrie founded Kirkman Consulting Inc. in 2015. She applied her knowledge and love of business strategy in sales, fashion and management to help and inspire others through professional development, coaching and consulting. and speaking.
After a vibrant, exciting career in North America, Carrie has now taken the leap and is relocating, facing a new challenge in a new country and continent. As CEO, Head Merchant at Target Australia, she is ready for this next chapter. Learn more about Carrie and her incredible career journey in her own words below.
My first job ever was… Part-time job at a bakery at 14.
I love the fashion and retail industry because… It’s always all about the people changing and always challenging. I consider it a wonderful combination of art and science.
I joined Target Australia because… It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with an amazing and because I hope I can have a positive impact on business!
My biggest mistake was… My experience with Sears. A huge disappointment, but the biggest learning experiences from the perspective of personal development.
I got over it… Tons of self-reflection, plus investing time and energy with awesome a self-discovery coach who was a gift in every way.
My greatest achievement is… The achievements of the people I managed.
My best advice to anyone interested in getting involved with the board is… Make sure your values are firmly in line with mission of the organization.
The only advice I give that I have trouble following is… Don’t rush confirmation and approval from others. Real power is when you realize it has to come from inside you.
If I had to pick one thing that helped me succeed it would be… Faith that I I am able to.
I stay inspired… My curiosity and gratitude for the incredibly supportive women in my life.
My next step is… I am committed to this fantastic new opportunity and enjoying it amazing country has to offer.
Keep up with Carrie and her new adventure Managing Director, Head Merchant at Target Australia by connecting with her LinkedIn and Instagram.