Clothing manufacturer Pacific Brands has announced a string of management changes, following a senior executive defection to discount clothing chain Best & Less.
Pacific Brands CEO Sue Morphet has named Matthew Claughton as the new group general manager of the workwear group upon the resignation of Holly Kramer, following her acceptance of a role as CEO of Best & Less.
The company also confirmed Anthony Heraghty’s appointment as group general manager of the underwear group (previously acting) and has appointed Martin Matthews as the acting group general manager of the homewares, footwear & outerwear group.
Martin has previously been a general manager within the group and this is familiar with the business and its daily operations.
Commenting on the changes, Morphet said Claughton's previous experience proves he is also well prepared for the role.
“Matthew has been promoted from his role as workwear’s head of strategy, human resources & international. Matthew has been well prepared for his elevation to the role as group general manager of the workwear group, and he is well versed in the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and will be leading an experienced management team.
“While we are disappointed to lose Holly, her appointment to the top job at our customer, Best & Less, is recognition of her strengths and experience. We wish her the very best in her new role,” she said.
“I am very pleased that our strategic recruiting and internal talent development programs have given us the depth of management capability to facilitate these internal appointments.”
The appointments follow the recent resignation of Pacific Brands group general manager for underwear & hosiery, Colette Garnsey, who relinquished the role in favor of a position at Premier Retail (Just Group).
As previously reported on ragtrader.com.au, Garnsey quit Pacific Brands last month to rejoin former David Jones boss Mark McInnes and manage several of Premier Retail's core fashion brands as core brand director.
Garnsey will officially begin her role Premier Retail from late September this year.