Seasoned Executive Search Advisor Brings More Than 30 Years of Retail and Consumer Industry Experience
NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Slayton Search Partners, a premier executive search firm, today announced the appointment of Karen Ouchterloney as Vice President & Managing Principal in the firm’s Consumer Practice. Karen brings more than three decades of combined experience in retail merchandising and planning, leadership and executive search, with deep expertise across retail, e-commerce and consumer-facing organizations.
In her new role, Karen will advise organizations navigating leadership transitions in retail, e-commerce and consumer-related functions. She will partner closely with clients to identify leaders who elevate financial discipline, operational effectiveness and cross-functional alignment across the consumer sector.
“We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and Managing Partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than thirteen years advising clients on executive search gives her a perspective that is genuinely rare in this market. Karen’s deep understanding of the financial and operational rhythms that drive high-performing retail organizations will be a meaningful asset to the clients we serve in the consumer space.”
Karen’s background bridges two distinct areas of expertise. Earlier in her career, she held senior merchandising and planning roles at some of the most recognized names in consumer retail. At Coach, where she spent more than eight years, she held leadership responsibilities across merchandise planning, buying strategy, and team development for North American retail and e-commerce. She subsequently served as Head of Merchandising for Easy Spirit Retail and E-commerce at Nine West Group and held planning roles at J.Crew and Macy’s East.
Building on that operating foundation, Karen joined Kirk Palmer Associates in 2013, where she spent more than thirteen years advancing from Senior Associate to Senior Principal. In that role, she partnered with CEOs, senior executives, and private equity sponsors on C-suite and senior leadership searches across retail and consumer businesses, with particular depth in finance and merchandising, as well as marketing, operations, supply chain, and general management.
“I am excited to join Slayton Search Partners and contribute to a firm with such a strong reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes for its clients,” said Karen. “The depth of expertise across the consumer industry here is a genuine differentiator, and I look forward to partnering with clients and colleagues to place leaders who will drive lasting impact in their organizations.”
Karen holds a Master of Business Administration from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from Dickinson College.
About Slayton Search Partners
Slayton Search Partners is a premier retained executive search firm serving clients across multiple industry verticals including consumer, distribution, financial services, industrial, insurance, private equity and retail. The firm specializes in C-level executive placements and leadership functions including CEO and P&L, diversity, finance, human resources, marketing and sales, supply chain, strategy, sustainability and technology. Founded more than 40 years ago with a commitment to delivering exceptional talent solutions, Slayton continues to serve clients with bespoke precision and transformative results. For more information, visit www.slaytonsearch.com.
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SOURCE Slayton Search Partners
