Lands’ End Names New CEO

Lands’ End, Inc. announced today that fashion and luggage executive Jerome Griffith would be its next chief executive. Griffith was most recently the head of premium luggage maker Tumi Holdings Inc., until it was purchased by rival Samsonsite earlier this year. Griffith, who will join Lands’ End on March 6, was also named to the company's board of directors. Griffith will succeed Joseph Boitano and James Gooch, who have served as co-interim CEOs since Sept. 26. Previous Lands’ End CEO Federica Marchionni resigned in September after 18 months amid slumping sales.

Total Retail's Take: The retail industry will be closely watching how Griffith manages Lands’ End, especially since previous chief Federica's Marchionni's style was lambasted by many. Marchionni implemented many broad changes at the catalog retailer that roiled employees and turned off its loyal customers. While Marchinnoi officially resigned, many industry watchers said she was forced out. Griffith, however, appears to be a solid choice. He was Tumi's chief executive from 2009 until its sale to Samsonite. He also worked at global fashion brands Esprit Holdings Limited and Tommy Hilfiger. What's interesting is that Griffith comes to Lands’ End from a luxury brand, as did Marchiooni. (She had been recruited from Fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana).