BCBG Appoints Execs to Help Secure Finances
Vernon, Calif.-based contemporary manufacturer BCBG Max Azria announced the appointment of five new executives as part of the company’s effort to maintain its financial structure.
This move comes in the wake of recent reports indicating financial troubles within the company. BCBG Max Azria, which produces women’s ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories, confirmed last month that it received a $10 million reprieve from Nine West founder and former chief executive Vincent Camuto (who recently formed an alliance with the company to produce BCBG footwear), as well as other sources.
“The company has had a trend of steady growth over the past few years, and with the continuous strength of the brand in the marketplace, we will maintain our long-term growth strategy supporting our original vision,” Azria said. “Considering our growth and success, and knowing that we will face a few months of national difficulties, the time was right to put key people in place who can help us position the company to proactively manage our future strategic plans.”
Earlier this week the company announced that Ben Malka will immediately replace designer Max Azria, who has stepped down as the company’s president but will remain its chairman and chief executive officer, as well as oversee its international business, design, marketing and public relations.
Malka has worked for BCBG for the past seven years, serving as the company’s corporate vice president and president of the company’s footwear, handbags and accessories divisions. Malka’s new role will focus on the company’s domestic operations.
Brian Flemming, a former Guess? Inc. executive vice president and chief financial officer, has been appointed to the position of chief financial officer. His previous experience includes positions at the Santa Anita Companies and Carter Hawley Hale Stores, a major operator of department and specialty stores, including the Broadway, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
Beginning Oct. 2, Noel Hord, former president and chief operating officer of Nine West, will preside as president and chief executive officer of BCBG’s accessories and footwear divisions, taking over Malka’s former responsibilities. Hord will also assist Camuto in the footwear division.
Robert Bronstein will serve as president of sales and will oversee the company’s ready-to-wear and swimwear divisions. Bronstein, who comes from a seven-year tenure as executive vice president at French Connection, is currently working out of BCBG’s New York showroom.
Sophie Rietdijk has been promoted from the company’s international and licensing department to senior vice president. —Claudia Figueroa
