New Chief Executive for Tommy Hilfiger

02 Aug '11

3 min read

The Tommy Hilfiger Group, which is wholly owned by PVH Corp. , is pleased to announce the appointment of John Ermatinger to Chief Executive Officer of the Company's Asia business, effective August 1, 2011. In this newly created position Mr. Ermatinger will report to Fred Gehring, Chief Executive Officer of the Tommy Hilfiger Group. Mr. Ermatinger will be based in the Tommy Hilfiger Hong Kong offices.

As CEO of the Asia business, Mr. Ermatinger will oversee all business activities in Asia, including the subsidiary Tommy Hilfiger Japan, the joint venture Tommy Hilfiger China, and the various licensed businesses throughout the territory.

"I am extremely pleased to appoint John Ermatinger to this new position within our Group," said Fred Gehring, CEO of the Tommy Hilfiger Group."

"The Company has a strong presence in the majority of Asian markets, but we believe that an increased effort led by a seasoned executive such as John will further enhance our presence. We have learned from our experience in Europe that the business benefits greatly when subtle adaptations and focused, regionally relevant dedication is applied. John is the ideal candidate to successfully lead the Company's great growth opportunities in Asia, given his broad experience as a global retail executive with particular expertise in this region. We look forward to working with John in this important endeavor to expand our business in Asia."

Said John Ermatinger: "After five successful years with Gap Japan and more recently China as well, I am very excited that the opportunity to join Tommy Hilfiger crossed my path. I believe that the Tommy Hilfiger core brand DNA makes it very attractive to the youthful Asian market and that the base from which we will be working is already quite significant through the territory. There is great opportunity for significant growth, and I look forward to building the business by further improving the overall proposition as it relates to the specific needs of this large market."

Mr. Ermatinger most recently served as President of Gap Asia Pacific for two years and President of Gap Japan for three years. Under his leadership, Gap successfully launched the brand in China. Prior to Gap, Mr. Ermatinger was the General Manager of Asia Pacific Apparel and Asia Hub Director of Global Apparel Sourcing for Nike Inc.

From 1973 to 1998, Mr. Ermatinger held various positions at Levis Strauss & Co. including President of Levi Strauss The Americas.

With a premium lifestyle brand portfolio that includes Tommy Hilfiger and Hilfiger Denim, the Tommy Hilfiger Group is one of the world's most recognized designer apparel groups.

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