Robert Stec named as President of Hampshire Brands

Hampshire Group Limited a leading provider of sportswear announced several key executive appointments that strengthen the Company’s management team and enhance its focus on core growth opportunities. Robert Stec has been named President of Hampshire Brands, responsible for overseeing the growth and direction of the Company’s licensed menswear brands including Panama Jack and Dockers, as well as its private label efforts.

Additionally, the Company announced the appointment of Mitchell Smiles to Executive Vice President Sales, Mass & Club and promotion of Susan Firavanti to Senior Vice President, Global Sourcing. All roles report directly to Heath Golden, Chief Executive Officer of Hampshire Group.

Mr. Stec, 57, joins Hampshire with approximately 30 years of retail expertise which includes nearly a decade at VF Corporation where his portfolio of brands included Wrangler, Jansport and Marithé + François Girbaud among others.

He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Passport Brands, Inc. where he completed a successful restructuring of the apparel company, repositioned the Marithe Francois + Girbaud brand and launched additional niche brands.

Prior to that, Mr. Stec was Chief Executive Officer of Lexington Home Brands, Inc. where he spearheaded the Company’s transformation from manufacturing to a consumer marketing-oriented company, shifting company product lines from unbranded to branded while securing licenses for top consumer brands. He replaces Eric Prengel who has resigned from his position with the Company to pursue other interests.

“We are very pleased to welcome Bob to Hampshire,” said Heath Golden. “As a seasoned retail executive, he has extensive expertise in brand positioning, product development and marketing with a strong track record of driving successful business results.

“We expect Bob will be a key asset as we build on our strategy of becoming a vertically integrated sportswear manufacturer and marketer and I look forward to working together with him to enhance and expand our brand relationships.”

Hampshire Names Mitchell Smiles, Executive Vice President Sales, Mass & Club

Mr. Smiles, 61, has more than 30 years of apparel industry involvement with extensive sales experience in the mass market and wholesale club channels. Prior to joining Hampshire Group as a consultant in 2010, he served as President of U.S. Operations for Otto International where he developed and executed a strategic plan for the Company to re-enter the U.S. market.