NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) (SEHK:6388), a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle brands, today announced the appointment of Wendy Kahn, as Chief Executive Officer and Brand President – Stuart Weitzman, effective September 13, 2016. Ms. Kahn will succeed Wayne Kulkin, the brand’s current Chief Executive Officer, who will become a consultant to Coach, Inc.
Ms. Kahn joins Coach, Inc. from Valentino Fashion Group, S.P.A., where she currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer – Valentino, USA and V.F.G., USA & Canada, with full functional oversight of this subsidiary across all channels and areas of the businesses. Previously, Ms. Kahn served as Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Retail for Valentino from 2006-2008. Prior to joining Valentino, from 1996-2006, Ms. Kahn held progressively more senior leadership roles at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, at brands including Marc Jacobs, Celine and Pucci.
“Wendy’s success in developing global luxury brands and extensive general management experience make her the ideal candidate to lead Stuart Weitzman, building on the brand’s strong foundation,” said Victor Luis, Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc. “She is highly regarded as a brand champion and for her ability to drive growth in both wholesale and retail channels and across categories includingfootwear, apparel and accessories.”
“Coach is an exceptional company and Stuart Weitzman is a brand I’ve long admired, fusing fashion and fit, with a unique positioning at the gateway to luxury. I look forward to contributing to its growth and partnering with the entire leadership team,” said Ms. Kahn.
Mr. Luis added, "I also want to take this opportunity to thank Wayne Kulkin, who, over the last 25 years, working closely with Executive Chairman, Stuart Weitzman created this leading American luxury designer footwear brand. We look forward to leveraging Wayne’s expertise as we develop our multi-brand opportunity in thegrowing global footwear category.”
Stuart Weitzman, Executive Chairman of the Stuart Weitzman brand said, “In Wendy, we have found a leader that respects our culture, understands luxury brands and offers us the leadership skills and management experience to enable us to realize our full potential."
Coach, Inc. is a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle brands. The Coach brand was established in New York City in 1941, and has a rich heritage of pairing exceptional leathers and materials with innovative design. Coach is sold worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores, and through Coach’s website at www.coach.com. In 2015, Coach acquired Stuart Weitzman, a global leader in designer footwear, sold in more than 70 countries and through its website at www.stuartweitzman.com. Coach, Inc.’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH and Coach’s Hong Kong Depositary Receipts are traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the symbol 6388.
