Ned Munroe is a visionary global brand strategist and creative leader with over 30 years of experience shaping some of the world’s most iconic consumer and lifestyle brands. With deep expertise in design, brand positioning, product development, and market insights, he has built and revitalized companies across the lifestyle, apparel, and consumer goods industries, transforming them into market leaders. His strategic approach is driven by cutting-edge brand strategy, creative ideation leadership, transformative big idea execution, and revenue generation, making him a highly sought-after executive for businesses looking to disrupt industries and drive long-term success.
Throughout his career, Ned has led world-class design, product development, and merchandising teams, managing organizations ranging from $100 million to over $3.5 billion in revenue. As the Global Chief Design Officer at Hanesbrands Inc., he played a pivotal role in redefining household-name brands such as Champion, C9 by Champion, Hanes, and Just My Size (JMS). Under his leadership, Champion evolved into a global powerhouse, securing high-profile collaborations with Supreme, Coach, Vetements, and Todd Snyder, which fueled double-digit growth and revitalized brand equity. He also pioneered the launch of C9 by Champion for Target, scaling annualized retail sales from $50 million to over $1 billion, setting a new benchmark in the athletic apparel market.
Ned’s approach to brand transformation is deeply rooted in consumer insights, market trends, and innovation. He has a proven ability to identify emerging opportunities, translate insights into actionable strategies, and execute with precision to ensure lasting impact. His leadership in product innovation and strategic positioning has enabled brands to stay ahead in rapidly evolving industries. By merging creativity with financial acumen, he ensures that companies achieve both cultural relevance and commercial success.
In 2023, Ned founded CopperDrift Studios, a strategic consultancy dedicated to empowering brands through design, innovation, and market positioning. CopperDrifts bridges the gap between visionary creativity and financial execution, helping businesses uncover untapped market potential, build consumer loyalty, and scale for sustainable growth. With a global perspective and hands-on experience across China, Japan, Korea, and Europe, Ned excels at leading international teams, ensuring that brands resonate across diverse cultural landscapes.
Beyond his executive leadership, Ned has been a board member for North Carolina State University’s Fashion Group and currently serves on the board of the Provincetown Cultural Council, contributing his expertise to culture, creative industries, education, and community development. His passion for art, design, and storytelling extends beyond his professional career—he is also an artist, innovator, and mentor dedicated to pushing creative boundaries.
Ned is actively seeking board positions where he can leverage his strategic mindset, brand expertise, and creative vision to help companies navigate growth, transformation, and market leadership. With a track record of success in business planning, revenue generation, and product innovation, he is uniquely positioned to advise organizations on the next phase of their evolution, ensuring they remain competitive and influential in an ever-changing market.
His commitment to excellence and ability to inspire high-performing teams make him an invaluable asset to any board seeking to drive innovation and sustainable growth. As a creative problem-solver and brand visionary, he brings a unique blend of artistic insight and business strategy, making him an ideal leader for companies looking to redefine their market presence and create lasting impact.
Core Strengths
Visionary Leadership: Known for integrity, creativity, and the ability to inspire teams toward innovation and excellence.
Brand Expertise: Deep experience in brand strategy, design, product development, market insights, and creative leadership across global industries.
Strategic Thinking: Excels at identifying emerging opportunities, driving disruptive collaborations, and executing data-driven growth strategies.
Executive Communication: A skilled storyteller and leader who effectively articulates brand vision, engages stakeholders, and fosters collaboration across diverse teams and markets.
