Centric Brands appoints new leader for children's division
Centric Brands, the global lifestyle brand company that holds licenses for iconic brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, and Under Armour, has announced a significant leadership change in its kids' division.
Rob Smith, a seasoned fashion executive with over 35 years of experience, has been named as the new President of the Kids Division, effective immediately. Smith joins the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to CEO Jason Rabin, and will lead the kids' division globally.
Smith's extensive background includes roles as CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, as well as senior positions at Steve Madden, Haddad Brands, Macy's, and Victoria's Secret. His appointment reflects Centric Brands' focus on fresh strategic growth leadership and operational excellence in the kids' market following their successful exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the latter half of 2020.
Smith's role at Centric Brands will see him focusing on strategic growth and consumer engagement, driving strategic growth, consumer engagement, and innovation across all brands and categories in the kids' segment.
The appointment comes as a succession plan for Steve Pinkow, who has served as Group President of the Kids division for 17 years. Pinkow will transition to a consultant role for the business through the end of 2026, effectively stepping back from day-to-day leadership by the end of the current year. Pinkow's advisory role with Centric Brands will provide a valuable bridge, allowing Smith to learn from his wealth of experience before taking on the reins fully.
The leadership change also marks a significant expansion for Centric Brands, with the company partnering with Authentic Brands Group to operate Dockers in the U.S. and Canada. The partnership, which was formed in May, is a significant addition to Centric Brands' portfolio, marking their entry into the casual wear market.
Centric Brands manages over 100 brands across various categories, including men's, women's, and kids. With the appointment of Rob Smith and the partnership with Authentic Brands Group, the company is poised for continued growth and success in the global fashion market.
Smith expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Pinkow until the end of the year before Pinkow retires, and looks forward to leading Centric Brands' kids' division into a new era of growth and innovation.
- Centric Brands, with its focus on operational excellence and strategic growth in the kids' market, has appointed Rob Smith, a seasoned fashion executive, as the new President of the Kids Division.
- Smith's role at Centric Brands will involve driving strategic growth, consumer engagement, and innovation across all brands and categories in the kids' segment, reflecting the company's commitment to the kids' market.
- The partnership with Authentic Brands Group, allowing Centric Brands to operate Dockers in the U.S. and Canada, marks a significant expansion for the company, moving them into the casual wear market.
- The appointment of Rob Smith and the partnership with Authentic Brands Group positions Centric Brands for continued growth and success in the global fashion market, including the fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and business sectors.
