ICAC
Kai Hughes was appointed by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) Members to serve as its new executive director, effective Sept. 1. Hughes currently serves as the CEO/managing director of the International Cotton Association (ICA) for the past nine years. He has more than 20 years of senior management experience and has held various leadership roles with the Ministry of Defense, higher education and other non-profit organizations. Interim executive director Terry Townsend will serve in his role until Aug. 31. Townsend will remain in Washington and advise Hughes for a few weeks in September to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s named Bruce H. Besanko as its new CFO, effective July 10. In his new role, Bensanko will oversee Kohl’s financial planning and analysis, investor relations and non-merchandise purchasing. Bensanko brings over 20 years of financial experience in retail and joins Kohl’s from Supervalu. During his four-year tenure at Supervalu, Bensanko held various financial leadership roles, including COO and CFO.
NRF
Former White House and congressional attorney Stephanie Martz was elected as The National Retail Federation’s new SVP and general counsel, effective this September. Martz is currently a partner at Monument Policy Group, where she works with businesses and industry groups on cyber security, data privacy and international data agreements. Before joining Monument Policy Group, Martz served as a special assistant and senior counsel to President Barack Obama. Her predecessor, SVP and general counsel Mallory Duncan, will retire at the end of August.
Under Armour
Under Armour is shaking up its executive fleet this week to promote more efficient operations.
Related Stories
The company tapped former Aldo executive Patrik Frisk as its new COO and president, effective July 10. In his new role, Frisk will manage Kohl’s market strategy and execute its long-term growth initiatives. Frisk brings over 30 years of apparel, footwear and retail experience, most recently serving as CEO of The Aldo Group. Prior to his tenure at The Aldo Group, Frisk spent a decade with VF Corp., where he held several leadership roles, including coalition president of Outdoor Americas, president of Timberland and president of Outdoor Action & Sports (EMEA).
Paul Fipps was promoted as Under Armour’s new chief technology officer. In his new role, Fipps will be responsible for Under Armour’s mobile and web applications, in addition to its Connected Fitness business. Fipps recently served as Under Armour’s chief information officer and EVP of global operations. He joined Under Armour in 2014 as the SVP of global operations.
Under Armour also appointed Colin Browne as its new chief supply chain officer, where he will oversee all logistics and product sourcing for all global operations. Browne joined Under Armour last year as the president of global sourcing. His resume includes previous stints at Bally, Li & Fung, Pentland Brands in Asia, Reebok and VF Corp.
In May, Kevin Eskridge was promoted to the role of chief product officer. Eskridge has held various leadership roles at Under Armour since 2009, most recently serving as SVP of global merchandising.
New Look
New Look Retail Group Ltd. appointed Paula Dumont López as its chief creative officer, effective this September. Dumont López joins New Look from Esprit, where she has been the SVP head of Esprit Women since 2013. Prior to Esprit, Dumont López spent a decade at Inditex, formerly serving in many leadership roles including head of product at Zara Basic. She will succeed current chief creative officer Roger Wightman, who will remain on the Board as a part-time consultant.
Pal Zileri
Italy-based menswear label Pal Zileri hired Rocco Iannone as its new creative director, effective July 3. He will present his first collection at Milan Fashion Week in January 2018. Iannone brings more than 15 years of fashion experience in fashion. He has helmed various fashion houses, including Giorgio Armani Milan, where he was responsible for the company’s first menswear line and coordinating special projects for 10 years.
Salvatore Ferragamo
Donald Kohler was hired as Salvatore Ferragamo’s new chief executive of the Americas region and chief retail officer, effective Sept. 4. Kohler previously served as president Americas at Burberry. His resume includes previous stints at other retailers, including Gap and Macy’s.
Bloomingdale’s
Anne Keating, Bloomingdale’s SVP of public relations, special events, and corporate philanthropy is stepping down from her role on July 28. During her 29-year tenure at Bloomingdale’s, Keating helmed the company’s communications and community outreach efforts. She will become an independent consultant and help other major brands with their philanthropy initiatives.