The leader behind Lorna Jane
Real-world learning, industry-connected teaching and the opportunities she found at QUT gave Anna Fowler the confidence to build a career spanning HR, operations and executive leadership.
Anna Fowler knows leadership isn’t built overnight. It’s forged through curiosity, practical experience and a willingness to keep learning – qualities that have taken the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) graduate from the shop floor of a retail business to the corner office of one of Australia’s most recognisable activewear brands.
Today, Fowler is CEO of Lorna Jane, leading the Australian-born company as it continues to evolve its retail offering, invest in sustainability and expand its vision of active living. But her journey began with a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) at QUT, where she discovered the people-first approach that would shape her career.
“I’ve always been interested in people, how they think, what motivates them and how culture influences performance,” Fowler says.
“QUT felt practical, industry-connected and aligned with the way I love to learn. The Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) was the perfect foundation for the leader I would become.
“I loved the practical elements of my course, from real-world case studies to workplace projects, and lecturers with deep industry experience.
“The psychology and organisational behaviour units were especially meaningful and still shape the way I lead today.”
It’s a lesson that has stayed with her throughout a career spanning human resources, operations and executive leadership.
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Fowler began in retail at City Beach before moving into human resources, where she developed an understanding of how strong workplace cultures drive business success. In 2007, she joined Lorna Jane as human resources manager before progressing into dual HR and national sales leadership roles, and later chief operating officer.
During that time, she helped guide the business through a period of remarkable growth, expanding from 26 Australian stores to 156 locations while overseeing international expansion into markets including China, Singapore, Canada, the US and New Zealand.
Raising her young family while continuing to lead the company’s China division, Fowler was appointed CEO in 2023.
Her career progression reflects the versatility of a human resource management qualification, demonstrating how an understanding of people can underpin leadership across every part of a business.
“QUT gave me a strong foundation to become the leader I am today,” Fowler says. “It taught me to think critically, communicate with impact and approach challenges with curiosity.”
Those skills are put to work every day in a role that blends long-term strategy with hands-on leadership.
“No two days are ever the same,” Fowler says. “I could be reviewing product strategy, supporting our trade teams, meeting with our leadership team, visiting stores or working closely with our founders on our ongoing brand evolution. My focus is to keep the brand moving forward while staying true to who we are.”
Her days begin well before sunrise, with exercise and family routines providing an important foundation before arriving at headquarters for leadership meetings, planning sessions and strategic reviews.
“Every day is anchored by movement, family and purpose,” she says.
That sense of purpose extends beyond commercial success. Fowler has become a respected voice on sustainability within the fashion industry, serving on the Board of Directors for Seamless and being recognised among Australia’s top 50 CEOs in sustainability.
She believes fashion businesses have a duty to create lasting change.
“Fashion has a responsibility to do better, for our planet and for the people who make and wear our clothes,” she says. “Sustainability isn’t a trend for us; it’s our commitment to designing garments that last, reducing waste and improving how we operate across the entire supply chain.”
Under her leadership, Lorna Jane has invested in improving product durability, increasing supply chain transparency and embracing long-life design principles while supporting industry-wide collaboration through initiatives such as Seamless.
Equally important is Lorna Jane’s longstanding mission to empower women.
“I embody this by creating an environment where women can thrive through opportunity, clarity, trust and accountability,” Fowler says.
That commitment extends beyond the workplace through initiatives including the Never Give Up podcast, partnerships with Women’s Community Shelters and the launch of SOMA, a wellness retreat designed to help people reconnect and prioritise their wellbeing.
Despite her impressive achievements, Fowler says one of her proudest moments has been watching others succeed.
“Stepping into the CEO role after beginning in HR many years earlier was incredibly humbling,” she says.
“But my proudest moments are seeing the growth within our teams, watching people rise, back themselves and step into leadership in meaningful ways.”
Her advice for aspiring leaders is refreshingly practical.
“A CEO role isn’t something you arrive at – it’s something you build toward intentionally, every day,” she says.
“Focus on becoming a strong decision-maker, a clear communicator and someone who takes responsibility without hesitation. Seek out problems and solve them.”
Fowler’s journey is a powerful reminder that careers rarely follow a straight line. With a practical education, curiosity and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, today’s graduates can build careers that take them further than they ever imagined.
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