MANUFACTURING

Ex-CEO at Liz Claiborne Named to American Apparel Board

Nearly two months after emerging from bankruptcy, American Apparel has named three apparel-industry veterans to its seven-member board of directors.

Paul Charron, former chairman and chief executive of Liz Claiborne Inc. until 2006, was named chairman of the board, according to sources close to American Apparel.

He joined Liz Claiborne as the chief operating officer in 1994 and became president and chief executive in 1996.

During his tenure, Charron led Liz Claiborne on an acquisition spree, acquiring such brands as Lucky Brand Jeans, C&C California, Juicy Couture, Laundry by Shelli Segal and Prana.

Following his retirement, he served for five years as senior adviser at Warburg Pincus, a New York–based private-equity firm.

Also named to the American Apparel board was Bruce Fetter, a longtime executive at St. John knits in Irvine, Calif. He has held various positions such as co–chief executive officer, co-president and chief operating officer. He is currently the CEO.

Susan Davidson, a former Liz Claiborne executive who currently runs Scoop NYC fashion boutique and Zac Posen, is the third new board member.

Paula Schneider, American Apparel’s chief executive since January 2015, remains on the board.