On Board

Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. (Redmond, Wash.) has announced a new nine-member board of directors as the retailer’s new parent company emerges from Chapter 11 reorganization. A motion identifying the board was filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court last week.

William End, former ceo of Cornerstone Brands Inc. (West Chester, Ohio) and of Land’s End Inc. (Dodgeville, Wis.), will serve as chairman of the nine-member board that contains a combined total of more than 200 years of professional experience and more than 75 years in corporate governance. It includes former top executives of Limited, H&M, Estee Lauder, Gander Mountain and Target, among others.

The directors will include: John Brouillard, cfo of H.E. Butt Grocery Co. (San Antonio); Howard Gross, former ceo of the Hub Distributing, Millers Outposts and Levi’s Outlet Stores divisions of American Retail Group Inc. (New York) and of Limited Stores and Victoria’s Secrets Stores (Columbus, Ohio); Paul E. Kirincic, executive vp, human resources, communications and corporate marketing, McKesson Corp. (San Francisco); Fabian Mansson, president and ceo of Eddie Bauer and formerly ceo of H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB (Stockholm, Sweden); Kenneth Reiss, former managing partner of the New York office of the Ernst & Young accounting firm (the coordinating partner in charge of Staples and Toys “R” Us engagements); Laurie Shahon, president and founder of Wilton Capital Group (Brooklyn, N.Y.), a company she founded to make private direct investments in venture capital companies and medium sized buyouts; Edward Straw, vice admiral, US Navy (retired) and former president, global operations, Estee Lauder Cos. (New York); and Stephen Watson, former president and ceo of Gander Mountain LLC (St. Paul, Minn.) and former president of Target Corp. (Minneapolis).

“This is a world class board with extensive global expertise in retail, as well as corporate governance,” said Mansson. “The depth of knowledge, skill and talent amongst the individuals in this group will be tremendous assets for Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc. Additionally, we believe the excitement and commitment of these seasoned professionals is further testament to the strength of the Eddie Bauer business and brand.”

The confirmation date hearing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the plan of reorganization proposed by Spiegel Inc. (Downers Grove, Ill.), Eddie Bauer’s current parent company, is scheduled for May 25.