Since joining in 2009, Peluso has overseen the Citi global consumer bank's marketing and digital teams, including all of its online and mobile banking channels, as well as leading social media initiatives.

Peluso - who spent six years as CEO of Travelocity before joining Citi - will replace founder Kevin Ryan as Gilt CEO from February. Ryan will take on the role of chairman.

Gilt, which specialises in 'flash-sale' deals, saw revenues more than double between 2010 and 2011 to more than $500 million and is planning to go public in the next two years.