Mr Skinner Jr. to become CEO of Smart Apparel Inc

18 Apr '09

2 min read

Smart Apparel Group Ltd., the Hong Kong based apparel manufacturing and marketing division of Youngor Group Ltd., announced the appointment of Robert C. (Bob) Skinner, Jr. as CEO of Smart Apparel (U.S.) Inc., its U.S. subsidiary. The position is a new one for the company.

Former chairman and CEO of Kellwood Company, Skinner is based in the company's New York City offices and reports to Jesse Zee, managing director of Smart Apparel Group Ltd. in Hong Kong.

Skinner spent 24 years with Oxford Industries where he rose to president of the Oxford Shirt Group and corporate vice president. He joined Kellwood in 2000 as president of its menswear division. Skinner was named president and chief operating officer of Kellwood in 2003, and appointed CEO in 2005.

His accomplishments during his tenure include the restructuring of the legacy women's sportswear business and a number of successful acquisitions. Kellwood was acquired by private equity firm Sun Capital in 2008. Skinner's most recent position was as CEO of Lacoste U.S.A. He resigned that post earlier this year.

Skinner knows the Smart Apparel business well, as the company was previously owned by Kellwood from 1982 until its sale to Youngor Group Ltd. in January 2008. Commenting on his new role, Skinner said, "I am honored and pleased to be reunited with the Smart Apparel team. I am enthusiastic about the expansion plans Chairman Li of Youngor and Jesse Zee have formulated for Smart Apparel, and I believe in the company's people, abilities, and resources."

Zee noted, "Bob has extensive experience and expertise in our core business and we worked well together at Kellwood. I am confident that he can help lead us to greater market share and profitability."

Smart Apparel Group Ltd