Liz Claiborne Inc. Appoints Executives

Liz Claiborne Inc. (New York) has named two key executive appointments: Thomas Johannes Grote will serve as ceo of Mexx Worldwide, beginning in October.
In addition, Tom Fitzgerald, interim ceo at Mexx and senior vp, direct brand services, will join Lucky Brand Jeans as ceo, effective July 1.

Grote began working for Esprit Holdings Ltd. in 1990, most recently serving as president of Esprit Brand of Ecor-SF Inc. with responsibilities for all operational matters in relation to the brand, including wholesale, retail and licensing business. Fitzgerald joined Liz Claiborne Inc. 18 months ago from a Bain Capital portfolio company where he was executive vp and chief financial officer. Prior to that, he worked for Limited Inc., most recently serving as coo/co-leader of Bath & Body Works. He also spent 16 years at PepsiCo in various leadership positions.
 

Liz Claiborne Inc.’s global portfolio of retail-based premium brands includes Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand and Mexx. The company also has a refined group of department store-based brands with strong consumer franchises including the Liz Claiborne and Monet families of brands, Kensie, Kensiegirl, Mac & Jac, and the licensed DKNY Jeans Group.