Liz Claiborne Inc. has appointed Michele Parsons, a former executive at Tommy Hilfiger, as president and chief merchandising officer for the Liz Claiborne Apparel business.
Parsons will oversee all design and merchandising activities for the Liz Claiborne brand, starting Sept. 25.
“This is another step in our evolution in the Liz Claiborne apparel business,” said Pamela Thomas-Graham, group president, better and moderate apparel for Liz Claiborne Inc., to whom Parsons will report. “We are focusing on elevating the brand, and Michele is bringing a merchant’s eye from specialty retail that will help our business, as a wholesaler, be even more innovative. We are selling in the department store channel, but I think we can learn a lot from specialty retailers.”
Parsons was a senior vice president and general merchandising manager at Tommy Hilfiger, leading the H Hilfiger division. Previously, she spent eight years in merchandising at J. Crew, including as head merchant in the direct division. Her early experience included jobs at Ann Taylor, Victoria’s Secret and Liz Claiborne’s retail division.
“I am very excited to be joining one of the most iconic American brands, and look forward to building upon the Liz Claiborne legacy as we evolve and position the brand for future growth and success,” Parsons, who graduated from Smith College with a bachelor’s degree in art history, said in a statement.
The Liz Claiborne better sportswear brand, which generates an estimated $1 billion in annual sales, or about one-quarter of the company’s $4.85 billion portfolio, has gotten a makeover for its 30th birthday.
The revamp began in March 2005 with the hiring of a new creative director, Richard Ostell, who has a design background. He worked for Nicole Farhi and was a partner at Flyte Ostell, a London-based fashion house.