Coach Inc. has tapped Wendy Kahn, the CEO of Valentino USA and V.F.G., USA and Canada, to be chief executive officer and brand president of Stuart Weitzman.
On Thursday, the company announced Kahn will succeed Wayne Kulkin, the luxury footwear brand’s current CEO, who will become a consultant to Coach, Inc. as it develops its multi-brand global footwear business. The transition will take into effect Sept. 13, 2016.
In a statement, Executive Chairman Stuart Weitzman said, “In Wendy, we have found a leader that respects our culture, understands luxury brands and offers us the leadership skills and management experience to enable us to realize our full potential.”
Prior to her current role at Valentino, Kahn served as the luxury label’s senior vice president of sales, marketing and retail for two year. Before Valentino, she held progressively more senior leadership roles at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, at brands including Marc Jacobs, Celine and Pucci.
“Wendy’s success in developing global luxury brands and extensive general management experience make her the ideal candidate to lead Stuart Weitzman, building on the brand’s strong foundation,” said Victor Luis, Coach Inc. CEO. “She is highly regarded as a brand champion and for her ability to drive growth in both wholesale and retail channels and across categories including footwear, apparel and accessories.”