The University of South Carolina Department of Retailing proudly welcomes Vincent Dell'Osa, former president of Ralph Lauren Retail, North America, as an executive in residence. A longtime supporter and advocate of the Department of Retailing, Dell’Osa is committed to sharing his deep industry insights with students and faculty. He emphasizes adaptability, innovation, and the courage to embrace change.
His "Unlearn to Learn" philosophy encourages continuous self-improvement and flexibility — crucial skills for future leaders in an ever-evolving industry. Dell’Osa has also sponsored diversity, equity, and inclusion programs throughout his career, while mentoring the next generation of leaders to navigate the dynamic retail landscape.
"Throughout my entire career, I’ve had leadership opportunities, and a core part of that was always developing people. I was inspired by the idea of giving back," Dell’Osa reflects. "Someone took me under their wing at every stage of my retail journey, starting when I was 16. So, when I had the chance, I made it my mission to do the same for others."
Dell’Osa’s leadership philosophy is centered on the belief that true leadership transcends titles — it's about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. He consistently blends strategic vision with hands-on operational expertise, having led 13 departments and developed expertise across the entire retail sector. His experience spans eight distinct channels, including luxury, factory, and digital, providing him with a comprehensive, global perspective on the retail landscape.
Success doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes you have to go right, go left, learn from different experiences, and then move up. This gives you more learning power and a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ behind things. The key to a successful career in retail is continuous learning. And I believe anyone with the right mindset can achieve success.
A key focus of Dell’Osa’s career has been leveraging technology to bridge employee and customer experiences, using its potential to drive growth and innovation. “It always comes back to the customer and the employee,” he explains. “Today’s customer might shop in 12 different ways—whether in-store, online, virtual appointments, or live chat—you need the right technology and analytics to support this experience. On the employee side, it’s not just about having a job and earning money anymore. Employees want empowerment and opportunities to learn. Technology is key to meeting both the customer’s and the employee’s needs.”
Currently consulting for retail and technology companies, Dell’Osa brings a wealth of experience to help organizations navigate the rapidly shifting business landscape. In addition to his consulting work, he serves on several advisory boards, where he helps guide companies through complex challenges and identify growth opportunities. His ability to anticipate industry changes and transform them into actionable business strategies is one of his greatest strengths.
In his new role at the University of South Carolina, Dell’Osa will apply his talents and experience to prepare students for successful careers in retail. Already collaborating with other Department of Retailing leaders, he is helping plan a student trip to New York City, where participants will witness firsthand some of the most innovative advancements in the industry. Among the lessons he plans to impart is that the path to success is rarely linear.
"Success doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes you have to go right, go left, learn from different experiences, and then move up. This gives you more learning power and a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ behind things," he shares. "The key to a successful career in retail is continuous learning. And I believe anyone with the right mindset can achieve success."
Dell’Osa’s own journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. As he steps into his new role, he brings not only a wealth of knowledge but also a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail through education. His story is one of continual evolution, and he is eager to inspire students to pursue their passions, embrace challenges, and lead with integrity.
The future of retail lies not only in the hands of today’s leaders but in the potential of those who will lead tomorrow. Vincent Dell'Osa is dedicated to ensuring that this potential is fully realized.