Fossil Group appoints Shannon Freeze as Chief People and Communications Officer

Fossil names veteran HR leader to drive culture and talent agenda

Fossil Group appoints Shannon Freeze as Chief People and Communications Officer, effective Feb. 23, 2026, as the lifestyle accessories company pursues a people-focused push to support its long-term strategy. Freeze joins the executive leadership team and reports to CEO Franco Fogliato, who says her diverse industry background and international experience bring "a truly global perspective" to Fossil's efforts to strengthen culture, leadership and organizational capability.

In the new role Freeze is charged with overseeing global communications and engagement, diversity and belonging, human resources, talent management and total rewards. Company executives frame the hire as a strategic move to evolve Fossil's talent strategy, deepen leadership effectiveness, and align culture with ongoing operational and brand initiatives across watches, jewelry, leather goods and licensed fashion lines.

Analysts and industry observers note the appointment reflects growing emphasis among consumer brands on human capital as a competitive differentiator. As Fossil expands and refines its distribution channels and brand portfolio, the company is positioning its HR and communications functions to support product innovation and market responsiveness, reduce turnover, and build leadership bench strength in key global markets.

Freeze’s corporate HR pedigree

Freeze arrives from a 13‑year tenure at Texas Instruments, where she serves most recently as Global Benefits, People Operations & Systems Leader. At the semiconductor firm she holds various leadership roles focused on attracting talent, designing benefits strategies and shaping global organizational structures intended to enhance employee experience. Earlier in her career she works at E.I. du Pont de Nemours, giving her experience across manufacturing and technology environments.

Fossil business context

Fossil Group is a global design, marketing, distribution and innovation company specializing in lifestyle accessories offered under owned brands such as Fossil, Skagen and Michele and licensed names including Emporio Armani and Michael Kors. The company brings products to market through an extensive global distribution network across multiple channels, and says the new hire supports its corporate plans to align talent and culture with those commercial ambitions. Further company filings and press material are available at www.fossilgroup.com.