Dive Brief:
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The C-suite at luggage DTC company Away is once again shifting gears. This time Chief Financial Officer Catherine Dunleavy will move into the role of president, effective immediately, according to a company press release.
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In her new role, Dunleavy, who’s been with the brand for two years, will oversee the strategy, operations, supply chain, digital product, legal and finance teams “as the organization advances its recovery and accelerates its strategic growth,” per the release.
- Away told Retail Dive that a new CFO has not been named and the company will be looking to fill the role.
Dive Insight:
Away beefed up its C-suite about a year ago as it worked its way out of a tough period. The height of the pandemic in 2020 and into last year was devastating to the travel industry, and Away tumbled down from its unicorn status. The luggage brand also grappled with accusations of toxicity in the workplace, and for a while its chief executives came and went in close succession.
In the midst of some of that upheaval at the top, Dunleavy arrived from Nike in 2020, where she was CFO of global operations, technology and strategic investments.
"In her two years with Away, Catherine has provided clear strategic vision, unlocked growth opportunities, and showcased her deep understanding of our business and our customer," CEO and co-founder Jen Rubio said in a statement. "Catherine has become an incredibly trusted voice, advisor, and leader, and I'm personally thrilled to continue our work together as she steps into this new role."
Dunleavy steps out of a role that has seen turnover rise from 17% in the retail or consumer space in 2020 to 27% in 2021, according to a study last year by executive search firm Russell Reynolds cited by CFO Dive. The stress of the job has also been in the spotlight since the tragic death by suicide of Bed Bath & Beyond CFO Gustavo Arnal earlier this year.
