Kristy Caylor serves as the Chief Merchandising Officer for Peace Ventures. Kristy brings to the team a keen entrepreneurial spirit, a successful track record of growing globally recognized fashion businesses, and hands-on experience working within developing countries.
Kristy began her fashion career in merchandising at Gap, Inc. While at Gap, Kristy led the Petite business for Banana Republic where she opened stand-alone stores and tripled the business over 2 years. She then relocated to Tokyo to lead the BR Japan merchandising division. Engaging an entirely new customer, Kristy was instrumental in positioning the BR brand and customizing product for the Japanese market. Upon returning to the US, Kristy became the head of merchandising for Gap Accessories and Product (RED). There, she redeveloped the accessories lines, led the development and launch of Gap Jewelry, and focused intensely on creating a more creative and effective business model for Product (RED).
Kristy left Gap to start her own consulting business, during which time she worked with brands such as Stronghold Denim, All Saints, and Mercado Global, a fair trade company based in Guatemala. As a design consultant for Mercado Global, Kristy worked directly with indigenous artisans, teaching new techniques and guiding product development for an assortment sold to Nordstrom and Levi's.
After working as a consultant for the LA based luxury brand Band of Outsiders, Kristy joined the company full time as their President and COO, initiating a long-term growth plan that resulted in new product launches and expanded wholesale penetration.
Kristy graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Finance from University of Southern California.