Tapestry

Yang is the Senior Vice President of Global Commerce and Customer Engagement Solutions at Tapestry, Inc., the house of iconic accessories and lifestyle brands consisting of Coach, Kate Spade New York and Stuart Weitzman.  Yang has over 25 years of digital and technology transformation experience.  She has deep understanding of emerging technologies and market trends, and has spearheaded transformative initiatives throughout her career for global businesses to drive innovation and growth. 

In today's rapidly evolving retail landscape, staying ahead of demands is about adaptation and proactive transformation. At Tapestry, a global house of iconic brands, this transformation is led by a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience in technology transformation. With a career marked by pivotal experiences, these experiences have been instrumental in steering how she led Tapestry's digital technology execution to new heights.

Pivotal Experiences Shaping Leadership

Her journey was paved with diverse experiences in building teams from scratch and guiding companies through extensive technology transformations. This expertise spans digital, retail, omnichannel, as well as robotic process automation, data-driven insights, and global infrastructure modernization. Central to her approach is fostering agile methodologies and cultivating a culture of innovation, essential for thriving in today's dynamic digital landscape.

Overcoming Challenges in Retail Technology

The retail industry presents unique challenges, from fierce competition to evolving customer expectations. Tapestry has made a strategy decision to invest in Technology.  Central to Tapestry’s digital strategy was the creation of TORo, a robust digital ecosystem unifying systems across all brands onto a single platform around the world. This transformation was not just about technology but about enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiencies across global markets.

 

“Central to our approach is fostering agile methodologies and cultivating a culture of digital innovation, essential for thriving in today's dynamic digital landscape.”

Leading Complex Enterprise Projects

Successful enterprise application development requires more than technical prowess—it demands effective leadership and collaboration. At Tapestry, the implementation of TORo exemplified this approach. By assembling a high-caliber team and embracing agile methodologies, they ensured seamless execution. Continuous improvement is ingrained, with a shift to weekly release cycles fostering innovation through rapid iteration and customer feedback.

Staying Ahead with Technology Trends

Staying current with technology trends is crucial for strategic planning and maintaining competitiveness. Participation in industry bodies and engagements with different technology councils provide invaluable insights. Regular reviews of market research and collaboration with industry peers ensure that Tapestry integrates cutting-edge technologies into its roadmap effectively.

Leadership Style and Innovation Empowerment

Her leadership style is characterized by servant leadership—working for the team's success. Open communication and a culture of psychological safety empower onshore and offshore teams to innovate fearlessly. This inclusive environment has led to initiatives like the AI Center of Excellence, fostering experimentation and adoption of new technologies to enhance customer experiences.

Advice for Retail Industry Peers

Reflecting on her journey, she offers practical advice to peers in the retail industry: prioritize speed and iteration over perfection. Embrace experimentation and learn from failures to drive continuous improvement. Cultivate skills in agile methodologies, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a culture of innovation to navigate the complexities of modern retail.