Kenneth Downing
About Kenneth Downing
Kenneth Downing serves as the Chief Brand Officer for HLC Ecommerce at Hearst and has held prominent roles in the fashion industry, including Chief Creative Officer at Triple Five Group and Senior Vice President/Fashion Director at Neiman Marcus. He studied Fashion/Apparel Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Current Role at Hearst
Kenneth Downing serves as the Chief Brand Officer for HLC Ecommerce at Hearst. He has held this position since 2021, contributing to the company's ecommerce strategies and brand development. His role involves overseeing brand initiatives and enhancing the online presence of Hearst's portfolio. Based in New York, New York, he has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation within the ecommerce sector.
Previous Experience at Triple Five Group
Prior to his current role, Kenneth Downing worked as the Chief Creative Officer at Triple Five Group from 2019 to 2021. During his tenure in the Greater New York City Area, he focused on creative strategies and brand development, contributing to the company's vision and marketing efforts. His experience in this role added to his extensive background in the fashion and retail industries.
Long Tenure at Neiman Marcus
Kenneth Downing spent 28 years at Neiman Marcus, where he held the position of Senior Vice President and Fashion Director from 1991 to 2019. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing fashion direction and merchandising strategies. His long-standing career at Neiman Marcus established him as a key figure in the luxury retail sector, influencing trends and customer engagement.
Current Role at Xcel Brands, Inc.
In addition to his position at Hearst, Kenneth Downing has been serving as the Creative Director for HALSTON at Xcel Brands, Inc. since 2022. His role involves guiding the creative vision for the HALSTON brand, focusing on design and marketing initiatives. This position allows him to leverage his extensive experience in fashion and branding.
Education in Fashion Design
Kenneth Downing studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he focused on Fashion/Apparel Design. This educational background provided him with foundational knowledge and skills in fashion design, which he has applied throughout his extensive career in the industry.