Pendleton Woolen Mills, the iconic American heritage brand renowned for its woolens and apparel since 1863, has named Jennifer Ingraffea as its next chief executive officer.
Ingraffea is slated to assume the leadership role in July 2025. Her appointment is particularly significant as she will be the first woman to hold the top executive position and only the third individual from outside the founding Bishop family to serve as CEO in the company’s extensive 160-year history.
A Legacy of Leadership Transition
Ingraffea succeeds John Bishop, who was appointed CEO in 2017 and announced his decision to retire in February. Bishop’s departure marks the end of a transformative period for the company.
Following a transition period, Bishop is expected to move into the role of chairman of the board at the end of summer, ensuring continuity and strategic guidance for the company during this leadership change.
Ingraffea’s Background and Expertise
Jennifer Ingraffea brings a wealth of experience in retail, product development, and merchandising to Pendleton. She joins the company from The North Face, a division of VF Corporation, where she most recently served as chief product and merchandising officer.
Prior to her tenure at The North Face, Ingraffea held significant leadership roles at Nike, the global sportswear giant. Her responsibilities at Nike included serving as global vice president of kids footwear, among other positions. Her background in driving product strategy and market positioning within major apparel and footwear companies is expected to be highly valuable as Pendleton navigates the contemporary retail landscape while preserving its deep heritage.
Reflecting on Bishop’s Tenure
John Bishop’s seven-year tenure as CEO was characterized by a focus on modernizing the brand and operational efficiencies. Under his leadership, Pendleton underwent a notable brand transformation, seeking to appeal to a broader market while respecting its traditional customer base.
Key initiatives during this period included streamlining the company’s extensive product line to improve focus and efficiency. Bishop also oversaw efforts to manage cost systems effectively, contributing to the company’s financial health.
Furthermore, his leadership saw Pendleton reposition itself in the market, adapting to changing consumer preferences and retail channels. A significant strategic move during his time was the re-acquisition of Pendleton’s outerwear license in 2020, bringing a core product category back under direct company control and strategy.
Bishop’s efforts are widely credited with strengthening the brand’s foundation and preparing it for future growth, setting the stage for Ingraffea’s leadership.
Looking Ahead
Ingraffea steps into the role at a time when heritage brands like Pendleton are leveraging their authentic history while adapting to digital commerce and evolving consumer values, including sustainability and ethical sourcing. Her experience in product and merchandising leadership at scale, particularly within dynamic global brands, suggests a focus on innovation and market responsiveness.
Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to blend external expertise with the company’s deep-rooted legacy. The transition period, with Bishop moving to the board chairmanship, is designed to facilitate a smooth handover and ensure that Pendleton’s core values and long-term vision are maintained.
As Jennifer Ingraffea prepares to take the helm in July 2025, the company looks forward to a new chapter under her guidance, building upon the strategic advancements made during John Bishop’s leadership and continuing Pendleton Woolen Mills’ legacy of quality and craftsmanship.
