Prior to Kellwood, his career included a 14-year tenure with Sara Lee Corporation. His most recent post at Sara Lee was vice president, customer marketing for Sara Lee Underwear where his responsibilities included maximizing profitability across all channels of distribution.
Burns also held various brand development posts at Clorox and Procter and Gamble. He holds a BA in Economics from Boston University, and an MBA from Wake Forest University.
In support of the Company's corporate marketing efforts, Katherine (Kate) Mattern has been promoted to the newly created position of manager of marketing and strategy.
Formerly Mattern was retail analyst for strategic planning and new business development. She has also been instrumental in researching opportunities for Kellwood's key brands.
"Kate has done an outstanding job as analyst for strategic planning and new business development, and I am very pleased with her promotion to this new role," stated Burns.
Mattern joined Kellwood in 2005 as retail analyst. Prior to Kellwood, she was with Tommy Hilfiger where she worked on development and the launch of new brands. Mattern is a graduate of Dartmouth College.
Burns and Mattern are both based in New York City. Burns reports to Skinner, and Mattern to Burns.