Rowing Blazers announces new CEO as it plans to expand
Rowing Blazers has a new CEO with Laura Willensky now in charge and bringing extensive experience from J Crew and Madewell to the role.
Founder Jack Carlson is staying on as Creative Director but said the change of leadership will allow him to focus on overseeing design and all the brandâs creative touch points.
The move comes after the cult apparel and accessories brand was acquired by Burch Creative Capital earlier this year.
So, who is Willensky? Sheâs held âkey leadership positionsâ at major American fashion and lifestyle labels, including Executive Vice President at J Crew and Victoriaâs Secret Beauty, Brand President of Talbots and Chief Commercial Officer at Away. Earlier in her career, she âhelped lead Madewell and childrenâs brand Janie & Jack from inception and brand launch to profitability and national recognitionâ.
She said she sees âa clear opportunity to grow the business through amazing products and an unmatched experience for our customers,â and mentioned moving into ânew product categories and new marketsâ.
The brand was founded by Carlson â a designer, archaeologist, and former US national team rower â in 2017, since then growing into a global label, âknown for its irreverent twist on classic British and American style and its high-profile partnershipsâ.
Over the past year, it designed and launched limited-edition collaborations with Gucci, Target, Tudor, Seiko, and TAG Heuer.
Chris Burch, founder of Burch Creative Capital said the new CEOâs âtrack record in apparel and deep experience as a merchant will have an incredible impact on our customers, our community and our businessâ.
It comes as the brand works through ambitious expansion plans that include a âsignificantly expanded womenâs business, a more robust core offering, and new distribution, including a new brick-and-mortar flagship â all while maintaining the brandâs colorful, irreverent sensibility, dedication to quality, and rich portfolio of dynamic collaborationsâ.
Burch Creative Capital was founded by Chris Burch (whoâs also the co-founder of Tory Burch that remains in the firmâs portfolio). The portfolio also includes Staud, Solid & Striped, Danielle Guizio, and BaubleBar.Â
Willensky is the companyâs second major hire since Rowing Blazers was acquired, following the appointment of Grant Simm, previously CFO at AimĂ© Leon Dore, as CFO at the business.
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