New Design Director, VP of Sales at Gramicci

James Sowins has joined Agoura Hills, Calif.–based Gramicci as design director, the company announced. Also new to Gramicci’s executive ranks is Paul Cronin, who has been promoted to vice president of sales worldwide. Sowins—a veteran of brands such as Mossimo, Puma and Kitson Apparel, as well as Level 7, his own menswear collection—will oversee the men’s and women’s design teams as well as Gramicci’s technical design team.

The company, which makes Natural Performance Technology outdoor clothing, said Sowins is an avid surfer and mountain-bike racer. “This, combined with an award-winning design portfolio, makes him ideally suited to take Gramicci to the next level,” the release said.

“I believe Gramicci has an amazing heritage. Our goal will be to reaffirm that authenticity with innovative product and marketing that leads the industry,” Sowins said in a statement.

Gramicci, a licensed brand belonging to the Haggar Corp., has experienced stronger-than-expected sales growth and recently moved its headquarters to bigger offices to accommodate its expanding staff.—Erin Barajas