10 Sep Jones Group’s Stuart Weitzman Names Wayne Kulkin CEO
Stuart Weitzman, a division of The Jones Group ( JNY ), announced that it has appointed Wayne Kulkin, former Vice Chairman, as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Kulkin will continue to report to Stuart Weitzman, Executive Chairman of Stuart Weitzman.
As CEO, Kulkin will focus on strategic global expansion and other growth opportunities for the Stuart Weitzman brand. In addition, Kulkin will assist with the selection of an executive team to support the brand’s growth initiatives and develop a strategic roadmap for the future of the brand.
“Wayne has been a true partner over the last 23 years. His passion, creativity and business acumen have been essential in driving our growth across diverse channels, and I am confident that Wayne will be equally instrumental in his new role as CEO,” said Mr. Weitzman.
Stuart Weitzman also announced that Roberta Lee has joined the company in the newly created role of Vice President of Marketing, Asia Pacific. Lee will be responsible for driving the development, implementation and overall communications strategy for Stuart Weitzman in the Asia Pacific region. She will report to Susan Duffy, Chief Marketing Officer. Lee most recently served as Head of Fashion Marketing for Chanel Limited, with responsibility for the strategic business planning and marketing for Hong Kong and Macau.
Stuart Weitzman said it expects to conduct a major store expansion over the next three years and foresees considerable wholesale and e-commerce growth, licensing opportunities, and brand extensions, including handbags and accessories. A dedicated creative team for handbags has been developed and new designs will be unveiled in the second half 2014.