Nautica announced that Christopher H. Heyn, President, Nautica Men's Sportswear has expanded his role and will assume responsibility for the Nautica Jeans company. Mr. Heyn's title is President, Nautica Sportswear and Nautica Jeans Company. In this new position, Mr. Heyn will continue to report directly to David Chu, Chief Executive Officer of Nautica Enterprises, Inc.
“Chris has demonstrated outstanding leadership during his tenure at Nautica, and I'm pleased to announce his new responsibilities,” said David Chu. “His understanding of the Nautica brands, and his strong relationships within the retail community enable him to lead our growth plans for the Nautica brand.”
Mr. Heyn joined Nautica in 2001 as President, Licensing and was promoted to President, Men's Sportswear in 2003. “I have had a unique opportunity to work within the Nautica organization in both the Licensing and Sportswear divisions for the past three years. I know those businesses, and I'm now in a position to utilize this experience and direct my abilities toward building a stronger, more cohesive Nautica brand. Nautica Jeans Company is an exciting and healthy business and is well positioned to continue to grow in a very positive way.” said Mr. Heyn.
The Nautica Jeans Company continues to have its own dedicated design, sales and merchandising teams, all reporting to Mr. Heyn.
Paulette McCready, who held the position of President of the Nautica Jeans Company since 1998, has decided to leave the company to spend more time with her family. Paulette's invaluable contribution to the Nautica brand is attributed to the early growth and success of the Nautica and Nautica Jeans Company businesses.
Before joining Nautica, Mr. Heyn served as Senior Vice President, Global Merchandising Group with the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1997 until 2001 where his responsibilities included all aspects of the group's global product development, merchandising, licensing, sales development, marketing and direct-to-consumer initiatives. Prior to that, he was President of Menswear Marketing at Kellwood Corporation, President and CEO of Salant Menswear Group, President of C.F. Hathaway, a division of Warnaco Corporation and Executive Vice President of Christian Dior Sportswear.
