MANUFACTURING

Joseph Gromek Named to Guess? inc. Board of Directors

With more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry, Joseph Gromek was appointed to the board of directors of Guess? Inc.

Gromek’s addition means there are now seven Guess board members, rather than six. Five of those are independent directors.

Gromek was president and chief executive of The Warnaco Group Inc., a New York apparel company whose labels included Calvin Klein jeans and Speedo swimsuits, from 2002 to 2013. Warnaco was acquired by PVH Corp. last year for $2.9 billion.

Prior to being at Warnaco, Gromek was the president and chief executive of Brooks Brothers Inc. and had executive positions at Saks Fifth Avenue, Limited Brands Inc. and Ann Taylor.

“I have known Joe since he was at Saks Fifth Avenue in the early ’80s,” said Maurice Marciano, Guess’ chairman of the board. “He has had an amazing career in the industry, and he’s bringing with him tremendous experience both in the United States and worldwide.”

In 2013, Guess had a profit of $178.7 million on $2.65 billion in revenues, down from 2012, when profits were $265.5 million on $2.7 billion in revenues. Guess, in fiscal 2013, spent $140 million to buy back 5 million shares.