Hammitt: The Long Game

When Ryan Meyer stepped into Hammitt, the brand was already a beloved, instantly recognizable icon with its signature rivets, luxe leathers, and Los Angeles cool. What it needed was a steady hand, a long view, and a leader willing to play the course strategically, not just swing for distance. Enter Meyer, formerly chief financial officer now chief executive officer, whose tenure at the brand marks a period of thoughtful transformation, brand elevation, and disciplined growth.

Meyer brings deep credibility to his role. A former collegiate golfer with a scholarship to the University of Arizona, he earned degrees in both accounting and finance before completing his master’s at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. His career spans investment banking, private equity, and senior leadership roles at some of the most respected names in the fashion, apparel, and lifestyle segments — including Buck Mason, The Great, Manduka, and Boatbound.

But credentials alone don’t explain why Hammitt works so well under Meyer’s leadership — what does is the alignment between brand, founder, and a CEO who understands both creativity and control.

Founded in Los Angeles, Hammitt set out to shake up the accessories world with handbags that blended fashion and function, attitude and elegance. From the beginning, the vision was clear: buttery-soft leather, jewelry-grade hardware, and silhouettes that felt timeless yet unmistakably modern. Over time, Hammitt became more than a handbag — it became a lifestyle, worn by women who like to stand out without shouting.

See the full article or explore the entire Winter 2026 issue.