Nautica Appoints Takhar

Friday, December 6, 2002

Bonnie Takhar has been named president of Los Angeles–based denim maker Earl Jean, Inc., effective immediately. Takhar will be based at the company’s Southern California headquarters and will report to Harvey Sanders, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Nautica Enterprises.

Takhar will replace Joe Krafka, who left Nautica to pursue other interests, the company said.

“I am thrilled to be expanding my role at Earl Jean,” said Takhar. “I have seen the brand grow at a very quick pace, and this is an exciting time for Earl Jean as there are a number of opportunities in the marketplace that will enable us to realize the brand’s full potential.”

Takhar has held executive positions at wholesale operations Nicole Farhi and Donna Karan. Takhar, who joined Earl Jean in 1999, previously worked as managing director of Earl Jean Europe in London and prior to that as vice president of sales.

In her position, Takhar will be responsible for managing Earl Jean women’s and men’s divisions, both domestic and international.

“We are delighted to have Bonnie assume the leadership role of president of Earl Jean, Inc.,” said Nautica’s Sanders. “Bonnie has been the driving force behind the success the Earl Jean brand has enjoyed in Europe.”

Nautica Enterprises Inc. manufactures sportswear, swimwear and children’s clothing under its brand and is the licensor for Earl Jean, John Caratos, E. Magrath and Byron Nelson.

Earl Jean is currently sold at specialty stores and better department stores, including Barney’s New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Harvey Nichols, in the U.S., Europe and Asia. It also operates retail stores in Los Angeles, Manhattan and Miami. —Claudia Figueroa