A board of directors has been announced for Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc., the corporation to be established as the new parent company of the premium retailer Eddie Bauer upon the company's emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization. The announcement was made following the motion identifying the board filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on May 20, 2005.

The nine-member board includes experts in management, finance, merchandising, marketing, human resources and communications with a combined total of more than 200 years of professional experience and more than 75 years in corporate governance. William End, former chairman and chief executive officer of Cornerstone Brands, Inc., will serve as chairman of the board.

“This is a world class board with extensive global expertise in retail, as well as corporate governance. The depth of knowledge, skill and talent amongst the individuals in this group will be tremendous assets for Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc,” said Fabian Mansson, president and chief executive officer for Eddie Bauer. “Additionally, we believe the excitement and commitment of these seasoned professionals is further testament to the strength of the Eddie Bauer business and brand.”

The Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc. board of directors includes:

  • John C. Brouillard, 57, chief administrative and chief financial officer, H.E. Butt Grocery Company, one of Texas' largest private companies and a major food retailer in South and Central Texas. He is also a director of H.E. Butt Grocery Company and Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
  • William Thomas End (chairman), 57, former chairman and chief executive officer, Cornerstone Brands, Inc., a privately held company for catalog operators selling home and leisure goods and casual apparel. He was also president and chief executive officer of Land's End, Inc. and is a director of IDEXX Laboratories.
  • Howard Gross, 62, former chief executive officer, Hub Distributing, Millers Outposts, Levi's Outlet Stores, divisions of American Retail Group, Inc. He was also president and chief executive officer of Limited Stores and Victoria's Secrets Stores and is a director of Glimcher Realty Trust.
  • Paul E. Kirincic, 54, executive vice president, human resources, communications and corporate marketing, McKesson Corporation, the largest pharmaceuticals distributor in the United States.
  • Fabian Mansson, 40, president and chief executive officer, Eddie Bauer. Former chief executive officer of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz AB), one of Europe's largest and most successful fashion retail chains with more than 1000 stores worldwide.
  • Kenneth M. Reiss, 62, former managing partner of the New York Office, assurance and advisory practice, of Ernst & Young, LLP, one of the world's largest accounting firms. He was the coordinating partner in charge of Staples and Toys “R” Us engagements. He is also a director of Guitar Center, Inc and Wet Seal, Inc.
  • Laurie M. Shahon, 53, president and founder, Wilton Capital Group, a company she founded to make private direct investments in venture capital companies and medium sized buyouts, which focuses on retailing and consumer products, among other industries. She is also a director of The Bombay Company, Inc. and Kitty Hawk, Inc.
  • Edward M. Straw, 66, vice admiral, US Navy (retired) and former president, global operations, Estee Lauder Companies, the manufacturer and marketer of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.
  • Stephen E. Watson, 60, former president and chief executive officer, Gander Mountain LLC, an outdoor retailer specializing in hunting, fishing and camping gear. He also spent 24 years at the Target Corporation, retiring in 1996 as president and director of the board. He is a director of Retek, Inc., ShopKo Inc. and Smart & Final, Inc.

The confirmation date hearing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the plan of reorganization proposed by Spiegel, Inc., Eddie Bauer's current parent company, is scheduled for May 25.