The SEA Group, based in Montreal, appointed Kathy Van Ness as Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer of its Christina and Gottex divisions. She was formerly Executive Vice President for the Swimwear Group at Warnaco, Inc., in Los Angeles.
Van Ness will oversee all aspects of design, development, merchandising, marketing and sales for both companies worldwide and will report directly to Dan Elituv, Chairman of the Board Christina America, Inc., whose labels include Christina, C Collection, Fantasizer and XOXO; and Joey Schwebel, President and Chief Executive Officer Gottex Models, Ltd., which includes Gideon Oberson and Gottex in North America.
Van Ness joins the company with more than 25 years of swimwear and apparel experience. Prior to joining Warnaco, she was Vice President General Manager, VF Corporations Jantzens division; President, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Federated Department Stores Burdiness division.
“We are delighted to welcome Kathy to our team,” commented Dan Elituv.
“Her strong background in the swimwear industry, along with her proven track record in the branded business will both be great assets to us as we continue to develop our business,” said Joey Schwebel.
