Head Denim Man

I.C. Isaacs & Co. Inc. (Baltimore), the designer and marketer of the Marithe & Francois Girbaud brand, has named current ceo Peter Rizzo to take on the additional post of chairman. The 26-year fashion industry veteran will replace current chairman Staffan Ahrenberg, who will be leaving the company.

“Since Staffan brought me to I.C. Isaacs last year, we have made significant progress in growing the business and expanding the profile of our brand, Marithe & Francois Girbaud, within the U.S.,” Rizzo said. “The company grew sales 32 percent and returned to profitability in the first quarter, and we continue to experience positive sell-throughs at retail and considerable growth in our women’s business. We are continuing to execute on our new two-tiered merchandising strategy, aimed at the sophisticated adult and teen markets, to capitalize on the growing appeal of our brand.”

Prior to joining I.C. Isaacs, Rizzo had been president and vice chairman of Bergdorf Goodman (New York-based division of The Neiman Marcus Group), president of Polo Retail at Polo Ralph Lauren (New York) and executive vp and head merchant of Barneys New York.