ABOUT RUTH
RUTH SOMMERS has found her purpose: amplifying the genius that lives in every CEO. In high-level roles at prominent retailers, she not only drove growth and profitability, but also developed a wealth of insight into CEOs themselves. Ever curious, she observed them up close as a part of their executive teams and came to understand what made each leader tick – what preoccupied their thoughts, how they grappled with challenges, and why they prevailed or fell short. As a result, she often found herself taking on a trusted advisory role with the CEO beyond her official position.
Since 2021, she has served as the President and then Chief Executive Officer of FoundRae, a fine jewelry brand. Alongside the founder, Ruth shapes the brand’s strategic vision and growth. Under her leadership, FoundRae has successfully expanded its footprint in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas.
In 2018, she founded NEXTConsulting, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to operational excellence in retail. With a cadre of experienced operators, NEXTConsulting focuses on empowering CEOs and their teams to achieve success through tailored solutions and collaborative execution.
Previously, she held the role of Chief Operating Officer at Blue Nile from 2017 to 2018, where she revolutionized their sourcing strategy—a pivotal aspect of the company’s investment thesis. She enhanced the call center operations through strategic relocation and comprehensive training.
From 2012 to 2017, Ruth served as Chief Operating Officer at David Yurman, where she increased EBITDA by 25% and achieved record profit margins. She adeptly navigated the company through a transformative period, revamping its sourcing strategy, creating an in-house client care team, and establishing a new distribution center.
Earlier in her career, she founded NOI Solutions LLC, which targeted market gaps in sourcing for specialty retailers. She also held key positions at American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor Inc., and Victoria’s Secret, managing significant sourcing and production operations.
Ruth holds an MBA from MIT and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Lake Forest College.