WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The new chief merchandising officer for Qurate Retail Group’s largest business unit has worked in the off-price, department store and big box specialty store channels.
Mara Sirhal brings with her more than 20 years experience in merchandising, product and brand development as well as sourcing. She will report to Mike Fitzharris, president of QVC US.
The role QVC US chief merchant was previously held by Stacy Bowe, who was appointed president of Qurate Retail’s HSN business unit in February.
Sirhal most recently held the position of chief merchant and brand officer for Saks Off 5th where she led the merchandising, planning, brand marketing and creative functions. Prior to joining Saks Off 5th, Sirhal held leadership roles with Bed, Bath & Beyond and Macy’s Inc., where she oversaw merchandising for a variety of categories, as well as business development and supplier diversity initiatives.
At Qurate, she will develop and lead QVC’s merchandising strategy across all product categories: home, fashion, beauty, electronics and jewelry. She will energize the assortment in alignment with QVC’s Age of Possibility campaign, designed to target and engage its core demographic, women consumers ages 50 and older. Sirhal will also oversee QVC’s buying, planning & programming organization and will lead QVC’s Design Development & Global Sourcing (DDGS) team, the company’s in-house group responsible for nurturing new brands, products and concepts across apparel, accessories, outerwear and home décor.
“As we execute on our strategic priorities and further differentiate QVC in the marketplace with our core demographic, we look forward to Mara’s customer-centricity, brand-building acumen and transformational leadership,” said Fitzharris.