Footwear industry icon Jimmy Gabriel has been appointed the new president and chief brand officer at Aerosoles.
Parent company American Exchange Group’s CEO, Alen Mamrout, said “Jimmy Gabriel’s appointment marks a critical step in reinforcing the strength of the Aerosoles brand as we look to the future. With nearly 50 years of experience, his proven expertise and visionary leadership make him the ideal person to lead the brand.
“Jimmy’s deep industry knowledge and ability to transform brands will be invaluable as we continue to build on Aerosoles’ legacy of innovation and growth. We are confident that under his leadership, Aerosoles will reach new levels of success both domestically and globally, and we are pleased to welcome him to the team,” continued Mamrout.
The company said Gabriel’s career includes working at both public and private companies across the men’s, women’s and kids’ footwear markets, covering all categories and price points. He has reportedly led major footwear brands’ development, launch and growth, including Aquatalia, Coach Footwear, Calvin Klein Footwear, Frye, Taryn Rose, BCBG, Juicy Couture, and Enzo Angiolini.
“Gabriel’s career began at Wohl Shoe Company, a division of Brown Shoe Company (now Caleres), where he gained a strong business foundation and advanced through leadership roles,” the company said in a media release. “His career progressed at Nine West Group, leading to a vice president role at Enzo Angiolini and then to Jimlar Corporation, where he was instrumental in expanding brands under a licensed agreement with Coach and Calvin Klein. Under his leadership, Coach Footwear introduced the iconic “C” logo in the sneaker, casual and dress footwear categories, creating one of the first upscale fashion sneaker lines available to consumers. At Calvin Klein footwear, Gabriel innovatively merged casual bottoms and dress uppers for a more versatile, wear-to-work product, driving significant market growth.”
Gabriel also reportedly spearheaded the acquisition and transformation of Aquatalia into a growing lifestyle brand under LFUSA/Global Brands Group (GBG), where he served as president of footwear. Through his leadership, Aquatalia expanded into men’s footwear, accessories and outerwear while broadening its wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels, including opening the brand’s first store on Madison Avenue and the expansion of its website.
“I’ve always thrived on finding white space in the market and reimagining what’s possible,” said Gabriel. “Aerosoles has incredible potential, both domestically and internationally. The opportunity to innovate and grow this brand within the American Exchange Group is exciting. The company reminds me of what Nine West Group was in the 80s and 90s and what Jimlar Corporation was in the early 2000s, which is being very entrepreneurial in the way it conducts its day-to-day business. We have a talented team and a clear vision for the future. Alen and I share philosophies on so many different levels—it’s uncanny. It’s the reason I’m coming out of retirement and back to the business one more time.”
Gabriel added, “As everyone in the industry knows, you can’t think of just the U.S. market anymore; you need to think globally. This brand has unlimited potential not only in footwear but in all categories and classifications. I’ve been very fortunate in my career, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity American Exchange Group has given me to take another brand to new heights. The footwear market is ready for a new contender,” concluded Gabriel.
Images courtesy American Exchange Group
