25 Feb Iconix Brand Group Hires John Haugh as CEO
Iconix Brand Group Inc. appointed John N. Haugh, formerly at Luxottica, as president and as a member of its board of directors. Haugh will become chief executive officer of Iconix on April 1.
On April 1, Interim CEO Peter Cuneo will transition to executive chairman of the Iconix Board.
Haugh has more than 30 years of experience leading premier global brands and retail businesses at highly respected companies, including Luxottica S.p.A., Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. and Mars, Inc. In his role as president of Sun, Luxury and Retail Services for Luxottica Retail, N.A., he led more than 14,000 Sunglass Hut associates; managed the Luxottica and Macy’s, Inc. license operations business; directed the luxury optical business; and managed real estate, design and construction for Luxottica Retail, N.A.
“Our Board has identified in John a talented and experienced executive who can focus Iconix on accelerating organic growth with our portfolio of brands and on exploring opportunities for new acquisitions,” said Interim CEO of Iconix, Peter Cuneo. “During the past six months, I have worked closely with our management team to diligently review our operations, to focus on refinancing our maturing 2016 convertible notes and to work with the SEC to conclude its comment letter process. We are well positioned for the next stage of growth under John’s leadership, and when I transition to Executive Chairman on April 1, my focus will shift to areas of need where I can best help the company.”
Said Haugh, “It is an honor to take on the leadership of Iconix Brand Group. The company occupies a position of prominence in the industry and holds a tremendous portfolio of iconic brands that account for approximately $13 billion of retail sales globally. I look forward to leading a talented management team committed to our next stage of growth as we work with our retail partners to help them maximize the strength that the Iconix brands can bring to their businesses.”
Iconix’s sports-related brands include Starter, Umbro, Ocean Pacific, Danskin and Pony. Sports Direct had owned a 30 percent stake in Umbro before its sale to Nike in 2007.
Iconix also owns Candie’s, Bongo, Badgley Mischka, Joe Boxer, Rampage, Mudd, Mossimo, London Fog, Rocawear, Cannon, Royal Velvet, Fieldcrest, Charisma, Waverly, Zoo York, Sharper Image, Lee Cooper, Ecko Unltd. and Marc Ecko. In addition, Iconix owns interests in the Artful Dodger, Material Girl, Peanuts, Ed Hardy, Truth Or Dare, Billionaire Boys Club, Ice Cream, Modern Amusement, Buffalo and Nick Graham.