LeaderShift Blog

Constellation Brands Inc., an international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol, announces the creation of a senior vice president, chief production and supply officer position with global responsibilities. Dave Moynihan, who was formerly Constellation’s senior vice president of supply chain, will fill the newly created position and report to Keith Wilson, executive vice president and chief administrative officer. In his new role, Moynihan will build upon a solid foundation of operational excellence by identifying and adopting best practices across all production areas throughout Constellation’s business. Additionally, he will work with each of Constellation’s operations leaders around the world to ensure high quality standards are attained while striving for continuous improvement in our operational efficiency. 

Iconix Brand Group Inc. enters into a definitive agreement with Nike Inc. to purchase the Starter brand for $60 million. Founded in 1971, Starter is currently licensed to several manufacturers and wholesalers, selling primarily to Wal-Mart in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iconix is forecasting 2008 royalty revenue from Starter of approximately $18 million worldwide. "Starter is an iconic brand that diversifies our portfolio of holdings by moving us into the athletic apparel, team sports and athletic footwear categories. We are very excited by this brand's potential, especially given Wal-Mart's unmatched reach as a retailer and our marketing expertise," says Neil Cole, chairman and CEO, Iconix. Wal-Mart SVP and GMM Dottie Mattison says the retailer is enthusiastic about Iconix’s plans for Starter. “Our customers have responded very positively to our athletic apparel and footwear brands at value price points. Starter is one of our most powerful brands, both in terms of its heritage and the range of different categories it covers," she says.

Under Armour Inc. announces the addition of industry executive Suzanne Karkus as the company's new senior vice president of Apparel. Karkus will oversee the growth and expansion of the entire Under Armour Apparel line. She joins Under Armour from IZOD Womenswear where, as president, she successfully launched the brand in 2003 and quickly established it as a premium lifestyle collection. Karkus will report directly to Kevin Plank, chairman and chief executive officer of Under Armour Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announce the appointment of Fabrizio Freda as president and chief operating officer, effective March 3, 2008. With this move, Chief Executive Officer William P. Lauder has created a succession plan that anticipates Freda becoming chief executive officer within 24 months. Freda was president, Global Snacks, at the Procter & Gamble Company. There, Freda led a global business with employees, factories and research and development centers around the world. In his long and successful career at P&G, Freda spent a decade in positions of increasing responsibility in the Health and Beauty Care division. Freda also directed marketing and strategic planning for Gucci SpA from 1986 to 1988. At the same time, the company announces Chief Operating Officer Dan Brestle will be named vice chairman and president, ELC North America. Also, Group President Philip Shearer will take on new responsibilities and lead Estée Lauder’s strategy and new business team, focusing on mergers and acquisitions.

Nike Inc. announces that Jill Stanton, vice president, Apparel for Nike's U.S. region, is named vice president of Global Apparel for the Nike brand. Nike's apparel business worldwide is almost $4.6 billion, representing about a third of total brand revenues. Stanton will report to Nike brand President Charlie Denson. She succeeds Roger Wyett, who has been named CEO of Hurley International, a Nike Inc. wholly-owned action sports and youth lifestyle brand based in Southern California. Joe Serino, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the apparel industry, will become the new vice president of Apparel for the U.S. region. Nike also names Jayme Martin as vice president of the Americas region.