“Do unto others as you would do unto yourself.”
Julie Gartell is a talent acquisition visionary whose three-decade journey through the worlds of fashion, retail, media, and executive recruitment has left a lasting mark on some of the most respected consumer brands in the world. Her career, defined by curiosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to people, began in the creative corridors of marketing and advertising before she discovered her true passion—identifying, nurturing, and placing transformative leaders in roles that shape the future of companies. Today, she stands as one of the most respected names in corporate talent strategy, known not only for her business results but also for her ability to lead with compassion, clarity, and conviction.
Julie’s unique path into executive search began as a leap of faith. After years of success with legacy brands like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Kenneth Cole, she transitioned into executive recruitment with the encouragement of a former colleague. Though she entered the field with limited expectations, she quickly found her calling. Mentored by a seasoned executive who would become a lifelong friend, Julie developed a deep understanding of both the art and science of recruitment matching talent with organizational need. This early chapter would lay the foundation for a flourishing career in executive search and, eventually, in corporate talent acquisition.
For the past 15 years, Julie has held critical senior talent roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, MediaCom, and most recently, Tapestry—the parent company of iconic brands Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. As Senior Director of Talent Acquisition for North America, Julie spearheaded a hiring strategy that led to more than 900 roles being filled annually. Her leadership produced measurable gains in diversity representation, operational efficiency, and team performance. She built and led a 15-person recruitment team, mentored four direct reports, and guided her department through transformative changes, including the launch of Tapestry’s first recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) model.
Julie’s impact extends well beyond hiring numbers. She negotiated all global talent contracts with vendors like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, BuiltIn, and Business of Fashion, ensuring the company’s recruitment channels were both cost-effective and strategically aligned with evolving market demands. Her ability to manage complex contract negotiations while preserving key relationships demonstrates the rare blend of tactical execution and interpersonal finesse that defines her leadership style. She understands that successful talent acquisition isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building organizations from the inside out.
Earlier in her career, Julie transformed talent strategies at Saks Fifth Avenue and Hudson’s Bay Company, where she managed omnichannel recruitment efforts across North America. She created and led high-impact hiring events and built intern and entry-level programs that directly contributed to long-term talent pipelines. She also initiated culture-focused projects, such as new hire roundtables and internal promotions initiatives. These experiences cemented her belief that people are the most valuable asset an organization can nurture—and that thoughtful talent strategy is linked to business strategy.
Her ability to align talent strategies with brand vision is further enhanced by her marketing background. This early experience—developing campaigns and brand narratives for household names like Nautica, Chanel, and Ciroc—taught Julie how to think creatively and speak fluently across disciplines. She understands how talent and branding intersect and how storytelling plays a central role in both attracting top talent and driving culture. It’s a skill set that has proven invaluable in the digital age, where employer brand is a key lever in the competition for talent.
Throughout her career, Julie has built a reputation for being an exceptional mentor. Her teams consistently describe her as nurturing, empowering, and results-driven. Under her leadership, multiple team members have earned promotions and advanced their own careers. She doesn’t just manage people—she develops them. This approach is reflective of Julie’s broader leadership philosophy: to lead with empathy, to listen generously, and to create space for others to thrive.
Beyond the workplace, Julie’s life is rich with personal passions. She is an avid skier and tennis player, loves to cook and bake with her twin daughters, and treasures time with her family and dog, Winnie. Whether hosting dinner parties with close friends or exploring new destinations, Julie’s grounding in gratitude and connection informs every part of her personal and professional life. Her humility, warmth, and integrity have earned her admiration from colleagues and executives alike.
Julie is now seeking to serve on a corporate or advisory board where her experience can help shape strategic people decisions, drive growth, and champion inclusive leadership. With a proven track record across multiple verticals, international markets, and Fortune 500 environments, she is equipped to guide organizations through their most important asset—people. Julie believes that leadership is most powerful when it is human, strategic, and forward-looking. She is ready to bring her voice, her experience, and her values to the boardroom.
Character:
Julie is driven by a deep sense of empathy, authenticity, and accountability. She believes in leading with heart, empowering others, and building inclusive cultures where everyone feels valued. Her personal integrity is the compass that guides every decision she makes.
Knowledge:
With more than three decades of experience, Julie possesses a rare and multifaceted understanding of both the business and human dimensions of talent strategy. She brings deep insights from fashion, retail, advertising, and executive search that translate into practical, high-impact boardroom guidance. Her global exposure across multiple continents further enhances her strategic versatility.
Strategic:
Julie is a systems thinker who connects long-term vision with short-term execution. She has successfully led enterprise-wide transformations, pioneered new operational models, and aligned talent acquisition to brand and financial objectives. Her ability to link people strategy with business outcomes makes her an invaluable asset to any leadership team.
Communication:
Julie is a natural storyteller who communicates with clarity, warmth, and purpose. Whether negotiating contracts, presenting to senior stakeholders, or mentoring junior colleagues, she fosters open dialogue that builds trust and drives alignment. Her communication style is inclusive, persuasive, and always grounded in respect.
