Sharen Jester Turney

Sharen Jester Turney is an American business executive best known for her transformative tenure as the chief executive officer of Victoria's Secret, a leading brand within the L Brands portfolio. Under her leadership, the company experienced significant global expansion and revenue growth, solidifying its dominance in the lingerie and beauty markets. Turney is widely recognized for her strategic focus on customer experience, brand evolution, and the development of iconic marketing initiatives like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Early life and education

Sharen Jester was born in North Carolina and developed an early interest in retail. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she pursued a degree in business and textiles, laying the foundational knowledge for her future career in the apparel industry. Her early professional experiences included roles in department store management, providing her with critical, hands-on insight into consumer behavior and retail operations.

Career at Victoria's Secret

Turney joined Victoria's Secret in 2000, initially serving as the president of the brand's direct division, which included the highly successful Victoria's Secret Catalogue and early e-commerce operations. She was instrumental in modernizing the brand's direct-to-consumer strategy, integrating it with the burgeoning online retail landscape. In 2006, following the departure of Grace Nichols, Turney was appointed chief executive officer of Victoria's Secret, a role in which she reported directly to Leslie Wexner, the founder and chairman of L Brands.

Leadership and business impact

As CEO, Turney oversaw a period of remarkable financial growth and brand elevation for Victoria's Secret. She championed the expansion of the PINK line, targeting a younger demographic, and drove international growth into markets like Canada and the United Kingdom. Turney emphasized a "customer-first" philosophy, revitalizing store designs and enhancing product assortments. She also presided over the global phenomenon of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which featured the Victoria's Secret Angels and was broadcast on networks like CBS. During her tenure, the brand's annual revenues grew from approximately $4.5 billion to over $7.7 billion.

Later career and board memberships

After retiring from Victoria's Secret in 2016, Turney transitioned to roles in corporate governance and advisory. She joined the board of directors of PVH Corp., the parent company of brands such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, where she served on the compensation committee. Turney also became a member of the board for The Coca-Cola Company, contributing to the audit and finance committees. Her expertise in brand management and retail has made her a sought-after advisor, and she has served as a senior advisor for the private equity firm L Catterton.

Personal life and philanthropy

Sharen Jester Turney is married to John Turney, and the couple has two children. She has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly those focused on women's health and education. Turney has supported organizations such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and has been involved with initiatives at The Ohio State University. Residing in Columbus, Ohio, she maintains a relatively private personal life while continuing to engage in mentorship and speaking engagements within the retail and business communities.

Category:American business executives Category:1950s births Category:Living people Category:People from North Carolina Category:University of North Carolina at Greensboro alumni