Joining the Crew

J. Crew Group (New York) has named industry veteran Kathy Boyer as executive vp of men's business, effective June 3, 2002.

Boyer was executive vp at Banana Republic (San Francisco) for five years, where she was responsible for the merchandising, planning and production of Banana Republic's men's business and its shoes, accessories, intimate apparel and home lines. Prior to Banana Republic, she held senior positions in merchandising at Victoria's Secret and Carter Hawley Hale Corp.

Boyer will have responsibility for men's merchandising and product development, reporting to the new ceo expected to be named shortly. Former ceo Mark Salvary abruptly resigned in early May, after four years with the apparel retailer and catalog marketer. J. Crew, currently in a downward slide, has been struggling ever since investment group Texas Pacific bought the company from the founding Cinader family. It has been criticized for its lack of retail and merchandising understanding, and for bringing in executives to run the company who lacked specific retail background. Salvary had come to J. Crew from the Nestle Corp.

Boyer's predecessor, Michael Scandiffio, has been appointed executive vp of women's business, occupying the position formerly held by Carol Sharpe.

J. Crew currently operates 143 retail stores and 41 factory outlet stores, plus catalog and online business.