Spanx names new CEO, expands executive team

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Oct 3, 2022

Womenswear brand Spanx announced on Friday the appointment of Kim Jones to the role of chief executive officer, along with several other executive leadership changes.

In this role, Jones who most recently served as president and CFO since 2018, will oversee the company’s corporate strategy and global operations. A company veteran, she has been with Spanx for over 15 years.

“I’m thrilled to announce Kim as CEO of Spanx,” said Sara Blakely, founder and executive chairwoman of Spanx. “Kim has worked for Spanx for 15 years and, in addition to serving as CFO and president, she has been instrumental in the company’s growth from startup to the category-defining, digital-first apparel brand it is today. Her love and deep understanding for the brand and the customer make her the perfect fit (no pun-intended) for the job.”

Likewise, Caroline (Cricket) Whitton has been promoted to president and will continue in her role as chief growth officer. In this role, she will oversee revenue and growth efforts globally including e-commerce, wholesale, growth marketing, international, digital product innovation and customer experience. She has been with the company since 2017 and is credited for leading its digital transformation earning 9X growth during her 5-year tenure at the brand.

Misha Nonoo has been appointed as chief brand officer, where she will be responsible for shaping the creative vision and strategy for the company. She joins Spanx having served as CEO and creative director for her eponymous women's ready-to-wear line since its founding in 2011.

Martin Elliott has been appointed as chief financial officer, overseeing all financial functions at the company. He joined Spanx from MGA Entertainment, a global manufacturer of toys and entertainment products, as CFO.

Lastly, Coco Lu has been appointed as chief people officer overseeing all talent and human resource functions at the company, including end-to-end people strategy and solutions to enable the business has right capability, right talent, right culture and right organization to achieve the growth potential of the team and talent. She joins Spanx after a 15-year tenure with The Coca-Cola Company, serving most recently as global human resources director for their technical, innovation and supply chain function. All new appointees with report to Jones. 

“I am honored that Sara, Blackstone and our board have placed their trust in me in this incredibly exciting new chapter in the company’s growth journey,” said Jones. 

“I am so proud to lead this class of executives that is joining our already exceptional team of leaders. Our customers know us for best-in-class products, but what they may not realize is that we have a best-in-class team behind it all. With these appointments, we are doubling down on our commitment to the customer experience, fueling our growth trajectory and ensuring we have top talent to support the company’s long-term vision. I look forward stepping into this new role and am so excited about the opportunity that’s ahead for Spanx.”

In 2021, Spanx’s received its first outside investment, when it was acquired by funds managed by Blackstone. Additional investors included iconic female entrepreneurs Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Whitney Wolfe Herd, as well as female-founded investment funds G9 Ventures, founded by Amy Griffin, and Able Partners.

The funding was intended to accelerate the company’s already rapid digital transformation, expand its global footprint and fuel new product innovation.