Clothing manufacturer Pacific Brands has confirmed a management shift amongst its top tier.
The company, responsible for a string of brands including Bonds, King Gee, Stubbies, Jockey, Diesel, Everlast, Berlei and Mossimo, has appointed Stephen Goddard and Jonathan Ling as non-executive directors, following the retirement of past chairman James MacKenzie.
MacKenzie has spent five years on the board of Pacific Brands, despite his retirement from the chairman’s role at the company in May 2012.
Commenting on MacKenzie's service and departure from the board, Pacific Brands current chairman Peter Bush said MacKenzie has been an asset to the company.
“During James MacKenzie’s chairmanship, the company transformed in structure and had its future secured. James led the re-capitalisation of the company during the global financial crisis and was instrumental in improving the company’s relationships with its debt providers and major shareholders. He was at the heart of the development and implementation of the Pacific Brands 2010 strategy and was responsible for the renewal of the board.
“When James retired from the chairman’s role in May 2012 he said he would stay on the board to ensure an orderly transition and he has done that. The board would like to thank James for his extraordinary contribution,” he said.
Bush added that both Goddard and Ling would be key to the company's success going forward.
“The board and our CEO, John Pollaers, are pleased that Stephen Goddard has accepted our invitation to join the board. Stephen has had more than 25 years of retail experience, including lengthy tenures with both Myer and David Jones. He has overseen all aspects of premium branded multi-site retail operations. He possesses a very sound understanding of Pacific Brands’ portfolio of brands and has been able to observe over time the issues facing the business from a retailer/customer perspective,” Bush said.
“Most recently chief executive officer of Fletcher Building, Jonathan has had extensive experience in business restructuring, positioning businesses for growth, international business development and cultural change. He also has a very strong understanding of regulatory matters and corporate governance.”