Luxury group Kering announced the appointment of Laurent Claquin as group chief brand officer, effective July 1. He will join the executive committee and report to Jean-Marc Duplaix, deputy CEO of Kering in charge of operations and finance. In this newly created role, Claquin will define and coordinate Kering’s internal and external communications and support the houses by amplifying their communications efforts when appropriate and by developing events that bolster their initiatives. Claquin has served as president of Kering Americas since 2012 and joined the group in 2005.
European fashion group Mango is strengthening its homeware business with the appointment of Nuria Font as the new director of Mango Home. Font, who has until now been the director of Mango’s wholesale department, assumes the direction of the homeware line this month. Font takes over from Laura Vila, who will take on new professional challenges after 17 years with the company.
Calvin Klein announced that Lila Staab, a seasoned fashion executive, will join the brand as senior vice president, brand communications and culture, effective June 10. In this new role, Staab will oversee Calvin Klein’s global entertainment relations and events as well as steer the integrated communications and influence strategies. In partnership with Calvin Klein’s global and regional teams, she will be responsible for strengthening the brand’s visibility, cultivating engagement and further driving innovation across consumer touchpoints. Staab will report to Calvin Klein’s global chief marketing officer, Jonathan Bottomley.
Bedrock Manufacturing Company
Bedrock Manufacturing Company, the parent of Shinola and Filson, announced that Steve Katzman has been named chief executive officer. Katzman will oversee operations at both brands and drive initiatives intended to evolve BMC into a platform company capable of supporting brands with shared services. Awenate Cobbina, who has served as BMC CEO since 2021, will now focus on the company’s hotel and hospitality initiatives.
BMC is also announcing the appointment of Kevin Wertz as chief marketing officer, responsible for all marketing and e-commerce activities at Shinola and Filson. Additionally, Carolina Clouet, currently vice president for Shinola’s licensing, wholesale and corporate sales, will join the BMC management team as she takes additional responsibility for Filson’s licensing, wholesale and corporate sales.
Brixton
Brian White.
Omnichannel lifestyle brand Brixton announced the appointment of Brian White, an industry veteran, to senior vice president of U.S. wholesale. Most recently, white served as the SVP of global sales for Hershel Supply after serving as the vice president of sales for Nixon and managing his own agency, including brands like Hurley and DaKine. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success working in action sports and fashion retail.
Jaanuu
Michael Alexander
Medical apparel company Jaanuu has appointed Michael Alexander as its new chief executive officer. In this new role, Alexander will focus on primary objectives, including product evolution that’s healthcare-professional-centric, strengthening company culture by empowering employees and customer satisfaction. Alexander comes to the Los Angeles-based company after serving as president of Next Level Apparel (NLA), a wholesale producer and seller of blank apparel.
Footwear destination Designer Brands announced Sara Crockett has been named as chief marketing officer of Designer Shoe Warehouse. As CMO of DSW, Crockett will be responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of all marketing and advertising initiatives for DSW’s nearly 500 U.S. store locations and e-commerce channel. She will further the implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies that enhance DSW’s brand awareness, drive customer engagement and ensure consistent brand messaging. Crockett will report to DSW president, Laura Denk.
Sporting goods and outdoor retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors announced that Scott Boatwright has been appointed to its board of directors. Boatwright brings nearly 30 years of operations, strategic planning, digital/technology, customer service and loyalty, real estate and talent experience. He currently serves as chief operating officer at Chipotle Mexican Grill since May 2023 and previously served as its chief restaurant officer from May 2017 to May 2023.
Not-for-profit professional supply chain management organization Institute for Supply Management (ISM) announced the departure of Anthony S. Nieves, who has served as the chair of ISM’s services business survey committee since 2008. Nieves will be succeeded by Steve Miller, who will be writing the monthly report and speaking on behalf of the companies that make up the ISM services business survey committee. Miller is a senior advisor for Robinhill Senior Advisory Group, chief commercial officer for DeepLogica AI, and serves on the board of advisors for Focal Point Procurement and The Harrison Group.
Textiles
Pact
Dr. Jason Camp.
Cambridge-based bio-innovation company Pact announced the strategic hire of Dr. Jason Camp as vice president of product development. Camp brings over 15 years of experience in academia and industry to the role, having successfully led and driven strategy across a broad range of high-level stakeholders. In this new role, Camp will lead the product development team, enhancing the scalability and performance of Pact’s collagen-based biomaterial, Oval, and spearheading the creation of next-generation materials that align with the specifications and vision of Pact’s brand partners.
