Cherokee Taps Wescoat
Cherokee Inc., a licensing and branded-apparel management company based in Van Nuys, Calif., has named Kyle Wescoat chief financial officer.
Wescoat replaces Carol Gratzke, who will continue working for the company on special projects while she dedicates more time to her role as executive officer of the Women’s Southern California Golf Association. Gratzke, who has worked at the company for 16 years, said it is gratifying to leave her post at such a good time in the company’s history.
Cherokee’s Robert Margolis, chairman and chief executive officer, said in a recent press statement, “Carol has been a key contributor to Cherokee’s success, and I am glad she will continue with us on special projects. I am pleased to have a financial executive of Kyle’s caliber joining our team at this important time as we seek further growth and refine our brand portfolio strategy globally.”
Previously, Wescoat served as chief financial officer of Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based Vans. Prior to that, he held senior financial management positions at Orange County, Calif.-based ICM Biomedicals and Prestige Leather in Los Angeles.
Cherokee is a licensor of brand names and trademarks for apparel, footwear and accessories sold at retail venues in the United States and abroad. The company’s subsidiary, Spell C. LLC, produces apparel under the Cherokee, Sideout, Sideout Sport and King Beach labels.
In recent years the company has developed a system it calls Retail Direct Licensing, designed to help broker agreements between manufacturers and retailers. Almost three years ago, the company played a strong role in the Mossimo/Target licensing agreement, and more recently, the company has been working with Los Angeles-based juniors manufacturer Hot Kiss to increase its overseas presence. —Claudia Figueroa
