Chairman of sportswear brand True Religion steps down

The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Lynne Koplin, President of True Religion, to serve as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Jeffrey Lubell, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director stated, “I founded True Religion in 2002, and I am grateful and deeply honored to have had the opportunity to lead the Company for the last 10 years. I am very proud of all that the Company achieved during this decade of both achievements and challenges. Now is the right time to facilitate the next phase of the Company’s development and growth, and for me to seek new creative endeavors.”

The True Religion Board of Directors commented, “In the last 10 years, Jeff has taken True Religion from a start-up to one of the truly iconic brands in the premium denim market. Under his leadership, True Religion has become a premier global fashion company – far exceeding its original goals.

Jeff’s vision for and commitment to this business has been, and will continue to be, a key driver of True Religion’s success. He has not just made a mark on our Company but on the industry as a whole. We are grateful for his contributions to the Company.”

The Board continued, “We are fortunate to have a proven leader of Lynne’s caliber to step into the role of Interim CEO. As a member of the True Religion management team since 2010, Lynne has a thorough knowledge of the Company’s management team, strategy and brand. Lynne’s skills and expertise will be invaluable to True Religion.

"We are confident that, under Lynne’s guidance, our strong team will continue to succeed and build on the important progress we have made. The Board will work diligently to ensure that this transition is seamless for all of our stakeholders.”

As previously announced on October 10, 2012, True Religion’s Board of Directors formed a Special Committee of non-management directors and hired financial and legal advisors to evaluate possible strategic alternatives available to the Company with the objective of maximizing shareholder value.

The process is ongoing and the Company does not intend to disclose or comment until the Special Committee completes its review and approves a definitive course of action, or concludes the review process.

The Special Committee has retained Guggenheim Securities, LLC as its financial advisor, and Greenberg Traurig, LLP as its legal counsel, to assist with the strategic review process.

About True Religion Apparel, Inc.

True Religion Apparel, Inc. is a growing, design-based jeans and jeans-related sportswear brand. The Company designs, manufactures and markets True Religion Apparel products, including its premium True Religion Brand Jeans. Its expanding product line, which includes high-quality, distinctive styling and fit in denim, sportswear, and licensed products, may be found in the Company’s branded retail and outlet stores as well as contemporary department stores and boutiques in 50 countries on six continents.

True Religion Apparel