Spinnova CEO Resigns, Vitale Joins Versace

Textiles

Spinnova

Finnish fiber firm Spinnova announced that chief executive officer Tuomas Oijala is resigning. Oijala, who joined the company in December 2023, will continue in his position during the six-month notice period, leading the ongoing strategy work, among other aspects, through September 12. The board of directors has immediately initiated a process to find his successor.

Lenzing

The supervisory board of Lenzing AG announced that chairman Cord Prinzhorn is stepping down, upon the end of his current mandate on April 17, to focus on existing and future engagements with B&C Group. Patrick Lackenbucher, managing director of B&C Group, has been nominated for election as a new supervisory board member and is designated to take over the role of chairman on an interim basis. Lackenbucher has supported Lenzing through various efforts over the past 15 years. Lenzing also announced that Leonardo Grimaldi will replace supervisory board member Marcelo Bacci. Grimaldi is executive vice president and management board member of Lenzing’s core shareholder Suzano, and will assume the supervisory board mandate from Bacci, who has left Suzano.

The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC)

Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development-backed innovation and next-gen biomaterials accelerator, the New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC), has named Susan Easton as product and marketing director. With a focus on revitalizing New York’s textile industry, Easton will lead efforts to promote sustainable, locally made textiles and foster collaborations across the state’s supply chain. In this role, she will also oversee the development of NYFIC’s marketing strategy and help build connections between fiber farmers, researchers, manufacturers and designers.

Retail

Beyond, Inc.

Owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock and BuyBuy Baby, Beyond Inc., announced that its board of directors has appointed executive chairman Marcus Lemonis to serve as the company’s principal executive officer. Adrianne Lee, who has served as the company’s chief financial officer for the past five years, will take on the expanded role of president and CFO.

Additional leadership transition announcements include Leah Putnam, former vice president of finance and controller, who has been appointed chief accounting officer; Alexander Thomas, former senior vice president of finance and corporate development, who will now serve as Beyond’s chief operating officer; and Dave Nielsen is no longer the company’s president and PEO.

Vince

Contemporary retailer Vince announced that John Szczepanski is stepping down as chief financial officer, effective March 28. Yuji Okumura, Vince’s current vice president, controller, will assume the role of interim CFO, immediately following Szczepanski’s departure, which is to pursue other opportunities. Okumura has nearly two decades of relevant experience and has served as the company’s vice president, controller since 2020 after originally joining the organization in 2018 as its director of financial reporting.

Tailored Brands

Omnichannel specialty retailer Tailored Brands announced that Bob Hull is stepping away from his role as the board’s executive chairman. Sean Mahoney, Tailored Brands’ board member and chair of the nominating and governance committee, will succeed him as chairman in May as part of the succession plan. Also announced was the appointment of Julie Rosen and Lewis “Lee” Bird III as members of Tailored’s board of directors.

Fossil Group

Lifestyle accessories label Fossil has named Randy Greben as chief financial officer. He replaces Andrew Skobe, interim CFO, and will focus on leading the group’s turnaround and transformation. Greben most recently served as CFO and chief operating officer at Casper Sleep and previously held C-suite roles at Blue Apron, Ann, Inc. and Quidsi.

Brands

Versace

Luxury label Versace and parent group Capri Holdings announced Dario Vitale has been named chief creative officer, effective April 1. Vitale succeeds Donatella Versace, who will assume the role of chief brand ambassador, focused on supporting Versace’s philanthropic and charitable efforts. Vitale joins from Miu Miu where he formerly served as the design and image director.

Carven

French ready-to-wear brand Carven confirmed the appointment of Mark Thomas as its director of design, according to an Instagram post by the company. Thomas succeeds Louise Trotter, who joined Bottega Veneta as creative director last December. Thomas joined the brand in June 2023, per LinkedIn, as head of sartorial and creative collaborations. He previously served as Lacoste’s design director and Helmut Lang’s creative director.

Jil Sander

Luxury label Jil Sander and its parent company OTB Group announced the appointment of Simone Bellotti as creative director. Bellotti joins the label following his tenure as creative director at Swiss luxury brand Bally, and previously spent 16 years at Gucci. He also spent time at Vandervorst and Gianfranco Ferré as well as Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta.

Solo Brands

Chubbies owner Solo Brands announced that Peter Laurinaitis has been appointed to the company’s board of directors. Laurinaitis, who most recently served as a partner and subsequently a senior advisor at PJT Partners, brings a proven track record of guiding companies through financial situations with a deep background and three decades of experience in financial strategy, special situations, capital-raising, M&A and restructuring advisory. Prior to his most recent role, Laurinaitis held a leadership position as a senior managing director at The Blackstone Group in its restructuring practice and served as a turnaround consultant and auditor at Arthur Andersen. He currently serves as an independent director of FirstElement Fuel, Inc.

Philanthropy

FabScrap

Fabric and textile recycling non-profit organization FabScrap announced that founder Jessica Schreiber will be stepping down from her role as CEO, effective in July. Camille Tagle, FabScrap’s co-founder and creative director, will step in upon Schreiber’s exit to lead the organization in an interim capacity while FabScrap’s board of directors completes a search for its next executive director. Schreiber will remain a board member after her departure, which aligns with her plans to focus on her family.