Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
NEW YORK, United States — American Apparel Inc. named retail-industry veteran Paula Schneider as its next chief executive officer and completed the termination of founder Dov Charney, who was initially removed from the CEO job in June for misconduct.
Schneider, who was a top executive at such brands as Warnaco, Gores Group and BCBG Max Azria, will assume the role on Jan. 5, the Los Angeles-based company said in a statement. She will take over for Scott Brubaker, who has been serving as interim CEO during the turmoil surrounding Charney’s ouster.
“My goal is to make American Apparel a better company, while staying true to its core values of quality and creativity and preserving its sweatshop-free, Made in USA manufacturing philosophy,” Schneider said in the statement.
A special committee of board members determined that Charney shouldn’t remain with the company after overseeing an internal investigation conducted by FTI Consulting. The move backs the board’s decision in June to suspend him -- with the intent to fire him for cause -- for infractions such as violating the chain’s sexual harassment policies and purchasing travel for family members with company funds. Charney’s lawyer had called the allegations “baseless.”
Charney didn’t immediately respond to requests today for comment.
By: Matt Townsend; editors: Nick Turner and John Lear.
