Worldwide house of brands Tapestry announced Friday it has named Anna Bakst as CEO and president of Kate Spade.
Bakst thinks fitting join the company on Monday, succeeding Craig Leavitt, who departed Kate Spade in 2017 in the wake of an acquirement by Coach, which is now held under Tapestry.
Bakst will narrate to Tapestry CEO Victor Luis, who had been serving as the interim head of Kate Spade as the discredit searched for a new leader.
“[Bakst] brings a rare combination of business acumen, as the crow flies related fashion experience and strong leadership skills to the company,” Luis said in a affirmation. “Together with recently appointed Creative Director Nicola Pane, we now have the right senior management in place to lead the talented Kate Spade mark team and drive the business globally.”
Most recently, Bakst was jog at Michael Kors as president of the accessories and footwear categories. She previously run at Donna Karan International, also leading the company’s accessories and footwear activity be contingents.
“Anna’s focus on product innovation — notably in the key categories of accessories and footwear — discretion be a key pillar of the Kate Spade growth strategy,” Luis said.
In purchasing the Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman brands, Tapestry aims to set aside a portfolio of names with global reach, selling not just handbags but attire and other lifestyle accessories.
The parent company of late has focused on advancing more control of its distribution overseas. It reported holiday sales emerges that exceeded analysts’ expectations, a sign that the turnaround essays are working.
Tapestry shares are up a little more than 17 percent this year.