Fashion brand house Gazal has elected a former David Jones executive as its new CEO, amidst a number of other management changes.
The company, which operates brands such as Calvin Klein Underwear, Van Heusen and Body Nancy Ganz, will now be led by Patrick Robinson who will assume the role of CEO effective from August 13.
Robinson, who has spent the last 15 years at David Jones in a number of senior buying and marketing roles, was also part of the department store's management team from 1997 to 2012, and was a management committee representative since 2000.
Prior to joining David Jones, Robinson spent nine years in various buying and marketing roles with Blockbuster and Myer.
In addition to the new CEO appointment, Robinson will also stand for election as a director at the company's next annual general meeting on November 15.
If appointed at this time, will also assume the role of managing director and will join the Gazal board.
Michael Gazal will remain managing director until the annual general meeting, at which time he will go on to assume the role of executive chairman for the company, focusing mainly on the group's business strategy and corporate initiatives.
Commenting on the changes, Michael Gazal said Robinson would bring a new skill set to the Gazal group.
“Patrick is a seasoned executive with a proven track record. He brings a skill set to the business that is an ideal fit for the company's next era of growth. The senior management team and I are looking forward to working with Pat to continue to develop and grow the business.”
The annual meeting in November will also see Richard Gazal, general manager retail, stand for election asa director and, if appointed, will join the Gazal board as an executive director. He will join fellow executive directors Michael and David Gazal.
In addition, current chairman Bruce Klatsky will assume the responsibility of lead independent, non-executive director alongside fellow non-executive directors Graham Paton and Craig Kimberly.
The news follows the release of Gazal's full year profit for the year ended June 30, 2012.
The company announced a rise in after-tax profit, including discontinued operations, of 44 per cent, to $11.6 million for the 12 month period, compared to the previous year.
Excluding discontinued operations, the company's after-tax profit still peaked by 31 per cent on the previous corresponding period, to $12.4 million, with sales revenue for continuing operations at $272 million – an increase of 6.7 per cent on last year.
The wholesale segment, however, delivered mixed bag results, with some brands such as Bisley Workwear showing high growth, compared to modest sales growth in the schoolwear, shirting, and Calvin Klein underwear./shapewear wholesale divisions.
Profit in the wholesale business overall was marginally lower compared to last year, due to the overall lower sales in the period and some clearance and write-downs of excess inventory which impacted margins.
Revenue in the direct-to-consumer segment, however, increased due to solid performances from the corporate uniform business and Gazal's other retail outlets.