Women in Retail | Leading Iconic Brands: Carolyn D’Angelo on Brand Relevance, Leadership and Growth

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Carolyn D'Angelo, senior managing director and head of brand operations at Gordon Brothers, the leading global asset experts with deep expertise in brands, industrial, retail and real estate. D'Angelo details her career at iconic brands including Disney, Ralph Lauren, Waverly, Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, and Nicole Miller, as well as shares the leadership lessons that have had the biggest impact on how she leads today (2:00). She discusses what it takes to keep an iconic brand relevant and meaningful to today's consumer (4:00), the benefit of having broad career experience across the retail industry (6:45), and her advice to young professionals (8:45).

In addition, D'Angelo shares Gordon Brothers' approach to unlocking growth opportunities for brands in its portfolio (11:00) and striking the right balance between honoring a brand's heritage while innovating (13:45). Lastly, she emphasizes that executives should lead how they want to be led and shares what excites her the most about the future of retail and brand building (16:30).

Carolyn D'Angelo has been a leader in both public and private companies for over 30 years, specializing in strategic marketing, licensing, and brand building among the best brands and celebrity talents in the home industry. Carolyn has worked with retailers across multiple distribution channels. She has industry connections across a variety of businesses, including retail, brand management, marketing agencies, education, and licensing. In her current role at Gordon Brothers, Carolyn is senior managing director, head of brand operations. Carolyn leads global operations under an asset-light model for the firm's portfolio of brands. She focuses on new business development, securing and managing licensee and retail partners, marketing, and product design.

Carolyn is a graduate of Pace University where she earned her BBA and MBA, specializing in marketing. For the past 27 years, Carolyn has been an adjunct assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she teaches a variety of courses in the Fashion Business Management and Home Products Development departments. Carolyn sits on the board of directors for three consumer brands: Nicole Miller, Rachel Zoe, and Broyhill, where she helps advise on strategy, marketing and growth initiatives. Carolyn is also a member of several nonprofit boards. Carolyn is a member of several trade organizations including Women in Retail Leadership Circle and Licensing International.

Date: August 4, 2026

Credits: Carolyn D'Angelo

Duration: 21:14