Unlocking Growth Strategies with a.k.a. Brands’ CEO Ciaran Long
At the ICR Conference 2025, Exec Edge hosted an exclusive fireside chat with Ciaran Long, the visionary CEO of a.k.a. Brands Holding Corp. (NYSE: AKA). Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone joined the conversation, exploring the company’s blueprint for sustained growth and its bold shift towards an omnichannel approach.
A Leader with a Proven Track Record
Ciaran Long brings an impressive 25 years of financial leadership, strategic development, and management expertise to the table. Under his guidance, a.k.a. Brands has witnessed a significant surge in EBITDA, accompanied by the successful expansion of its U.S. business through the launch of physical stores across multiple brands.
From Digital Roots to Omnichannel Success
Originally a digitally-native company, Long pioneered a path to profitable growth by embracing an omnichannel sales strategy. This move was fueled by the proven test-and-learn model first introduced by Princess Polly. By leveraging this approach, a.k.a. Brands has been able to effectively bridge the gap between online and offline retail.
A Diverse Background in eCommerce and Beyond
Prior to joining a.k.a. Brands in 2021, Long served as Chief Financial Officer of eCommerce & Vice President of Finance for Membership, Marketing, and Supply Chain at Sam’s Club. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles within Walmart’s eCommerce division. Additionally, Long co-founded and led CleanGrow, a chemical manufacturing company focused on developing innovative water quality measurement technology.
a.k.a. Brands: A Portfolio of Next-Generation Fashion Brands
a.k.a. Brands is a dynamic portfolio of fashion brands tailored to the next generation of consumers. Each brand within the portfolio targets a distinct Gen Z and millennial audience, creating authentic social content and offering high-quality, exclusive merchandise. By leveraging its cutting-edge retail platform, a.k.a. Brands empowers its brands to accelerate growth, scale in new markets, and enhance profitability. The current portfolio includes Princess Polly, Culture Kings, mnml, and Petal & Pup.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
To learn more about a.k.a. Brands’ growth strategies and the future of retail, watch the full recording of the fireside chat. For further insights and updates, contact Exec Edge at [email protected].
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