Centric Brands appoints former Kenneth Cole CEO as new chairman

By

Robin Driver

Published
Oct 29, 2020

Having recently emerged from bankruptcy, American brand licensing company Centric Brands LLC has announced the appointment of Marc Schneider, the former CEO of Kenneth Cole Productions, as chairman of its board of directors.  
 

Schneider brings more than 35 years of brand building and global business experience to his new role. Prior to serving as CEO of Kenneth Cole, a position which he held from 2015 until February of this year, the executive was group president of heritage brands at PVH Corp, the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, for eight years.
 
His previous experience also includes stints spent as senior vice president at Timberland, EVP for merchandising, marketing and planning at Melville Corporation Limited, and group vice president at Macy’s.

Since February 2020, he has served as a principal at JKLM Advisors LLC and as a senior advisor at TZP Group.
 
Along with the Centric Brands board, Schneider is also a member of the board of directors of NYC-based luxury mattress company Saatva and Ohio-based footwear and handbag maker RG Barry.
 
“We are pleased to welcome Marc as chairman of our board of directors. His insight and significant experience within the industry will be invaluable as we look to execute our long-term strategies for growth and expansion,” said Centric CEO Jason Rabin in a release. “Marc is a friend and trusted advisor who joins our company at an exciting time as we are well positioned for success and energized for the future.”
 
“Centric has long been a leader in lifestyle brands and is now entering an exciting new period of expansion where it is well-positioned to take advantage of market opportunities and growth,” added Schneider.

Headquartered in New York, Centric owns the Zac Posen, Hudson, Robert Graham, Swims and Avirex brands, and holds a wide range of licenses for labels including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica and Under Armour.
 
Having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic in May, the company emerged from the process under new management earlier this month.
 
Centric shed around $700 million in debt through reorganization and is now privately owned by The Blackstone Group, Ares Management Corporation and HPS Investment Partners, with Blackstone serving as its majority sponsor.