Ahead of Apple Watch launch, Apple hires Gap marketer as its new global marketing director
Presumably to bolster its marketing efforts for its first ever wearable product, Apple has made another hire from the fashion industry.
As reported by Ad Age, the company has recruited Marcela Aguilar as its new director of global marketing communications. Aguilar is the former senior global director of marketing communications at the multinational clothing retail chain Gap:
Ms. Aguilar, a 2013 Ad Age Woman to Watch, has spent the last three years helping to remake the Gap brand. In mid-2011, she was the first external hire by Gap’s global CMO Seth Farbman, as he began work to help the struggling brand stand out in the increasingly crowded specialty retail space. During her time at Gap, sales have rebounded and the brand has won praise for its fresh marketing.
Aguilar joins Apple as the company prepares for the launch of the Apple Watch, which was unveiled along with the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus just yesterday but set for release early next year. Aside from being an iPhone companion and a health and fitness tracker, the Apple Watch is being positioned by Apple as a fashion accessory, with its selection of stylish cases and bands.
Apple’s previous hires from the fashion industry include former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts (now retail head at Apple) former Yves Saint Laurent CEO Paul Deneve (now working on the company’s “special projects”), and former Tag Heuer sales executive Patrick Pruniaux. Apple has also recently hired renowned industrial designer Marc Newson, who has long been a collaborator of Apple design chief Jony Ive and has himself designed some timepieces.
