NEW YORK — Robert C. Skinner Jr., an architect of Kellwood Co.’s restructuring, has been elected chairman of the $2.1 billion firm, succeeding Hal Upbin.
Skinner, whose appointment is effective Feb. 1, will continue as president and chief executive officer. Upbin, 66, is retiring as chairman on Jan. 31, but will remain a consultant until 2009.
Skinner has had a major hand as Kellwood shed three underperforming divisions and smaller brands this year in order to concentrate on stronger brands such as Calvin Klein, O Oscar and Sag Harbor. This prompted a $93.4 million restructuring charge in the second quarter ended July 30, and a loss of $79.4 million, compared with net income of $10.2 million in the same period last year. Sales for the quarter rose 0.2 percent to $561.8 million from $560.5 million. Results in that quarter were partly offset by a repatriation of foreign profits totaling $13 million.
“We have set the stage to build a stronger Kellwood through our continued focus on developing and acquiring great brands, rebalancing our portfolio and strengthening our management team,” Skinner, 51, said in a statement.
He could not be reached for comment.
Skinner joined Kellwood in 2000 as president of the men’s wear division. In March 2002, he was named corporate vice president with responsibility for men’s wear, intimate apparel and children’s wear. He held that post until December 2003, when he became president and chief operating officer. In June 2004, Skinner was named to the company’s board and became ceo in June.
Upbin has been with Kellwood for 17 years and, under his leadership, its revenues have grown to $2.1 billion from $1.4 billion in 1995. He began his career at Kellwood in 1988 when American Recreation, where he was president, was acquired by Kellwood, which was a $1 billion firm that was mostly doing private label. Upbin quickly moved up the ranks and, by 1990, was overseeing Kellwood’s acquisition program as vice president, corporate development. He was named president and chief operating officer in 1995, and ceo in 1997.
Upbin was unavailable for comment Monday, but regarding Kellwood’s future, he told WWD in October: “There are so many more opportunities out there. There should be much more international presence for us, more involvement in retail. Our quest for lifestyle brands will also continue. But there’s also increasing challenges. Competition is much harder at retail today. It’s pushing us to be more creative, offer sharper prices and better value.