Cutter & Buck Inc. has appointed retail and apparel executive, John T. (“Tom”) Wyatt as the Company’s President and CEO. Wyatt succeeds Fran Conley, who stepped down in September, and Bill Swint, who had been serving as Interim CEO. Wyatt brings over 30 years of experience in the retail and apparel business to the position.
“We are extremely pleased that Tom has agreed to join Cutter & Buck,” said Doug Southern, Chairman of the Board. “We looked at a very solid group of candidates during our search process. Tom definitely had the experience, background and personal qualities we were looking for in a new CEO. His skillful leadership will be invaluable as Cutter & Buck moves into a new era.”
Cutter & Buck began the search for a new CEO in July when Fran Conley announced she would step down as Chairman and CEO of the Company. Bill Swint, Vice President and Manager of Order Fulfillment was named Interim CEO upon Conley’s departure in September.
“We couldnt have picked a better steward to maintain the operations of the Company during our search process than Bill Swint,” said Southern. “He has done a marvelous job as our Interim CEO, and we are thankful to have someone of Bill’s caliber and talent in house to take the reins during this period.”
With Swint in place as Interim CEO, the Board, working with an outside consultant, began to compile a list of potential candidates. That process concluded with the selection of Wyatt, who will assume his responsibilities as CEO immediately.
Wyatt began his career as a specialty account sales representative for VF Corporation (Vanity Fair brand). He stayed with VF for 23 years, becoming President of Vanity Fair Intimates Coalition in 1995. From there he was named president of Intimate Apparel for Warnaco Intimate Apparel in 1997; became Chairman and CEO of Parisian, a Division of Saks, Inc. in 1998; and subsequently assumed the role of President at Warnaco Intimate Apparel/Sportswear.
“I am extremely excited about joining Cutter & Buck,” said Wyatt. “This is a company with a tremendous future. It is strong financially and has a strong brand with excellent products, a loyal customer base and a very talented team of employees. I am looking forward to working with them and the Board to set a firm direction for the future.”
Wyatt, 49, and his wife Cheryl, will relocate to Seattle in the near future. The Wyatts are parents of two grown daughters.
