Centric Brands Appoints President of Kid’s Division

Centric Brands has hired Rob Smith as president of the company’s Kids’ Division, effective immediately. Based in New York, Smith will report directly to CEO Jason Rabin and join the company’s executive leadership team.

Smith will also work in tandem with Steve Pinkow, who has served as Kid’s Group president for 17 years, through the end of the year as part of a transition period.

“Rob is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader with a strong track record of building brands, scaling businesses, and inspiring teams,” said Rabin. “His deep industry expertise and forward-thinking approach will be invaluable as we advance our kids’ platform globally. I am extremely thankful to Steve for his friendship, dedication and the business he built over the past 17 years. He has left an indelible mark on the organization.”

Smith brings over 35 years of leadership experience in fashion, apparel, denim, and activewear across men’s, women’s and kids’ categories. Most recently, he served as CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, a brand at the intersection of fashion, community and education with a focus on Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Under his leadership, Phluid’s products have reportedly expanded to “over 10,000 retail locations across North America.”

Previously, Smith held a seat on the Board of Directors at Steve Madden and served as chief product officer at Haddad Brands. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret.

“I’m honored to join Centric Brands and lead the Kids division at such an exciting time for the business,” said Rob Smith. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building brands that reflect the needs and values of today’s consumers. I look forward to working with the talented teams at Centric to continue driving innovation, expanding our global reach, and creating meaningful connections with families around the world.”

Centric Brands’ portfolio includes licenses for over 100 brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, and Under Armour in the kid’s category; Buffalo, Dockers, Hervé Léger, IZOD, Joe’s Jeans, and John Elliot in the men’s and women’s apparel category; All Saints, Coach, Frye, Hunter, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Vince in the accessories category; and in the Sports & Entertainment category, Disney, Game 7, Marvel, Messi, Nickelodeon, and Warner Brothers. The company also owns and operates Avirex, Fiorelli, Hudson, Robert Graham, and Taste Beauty and operates joint venture brands, Favorite Daughter, Jennifer Fisher, and Preston Lane.