Michael Saunders has been named chief information officer of Kellwood Company, according to Hal J. Upbin, Kellwood chairman and chief executive officer.

Saunders will provide the leadership and direction for Kellwood's information services and technology; and serve as the company's principal information technology advisor to corporate and division management.

“We look forward to the positive impact his innovative ideas and vision will have on the company as we continue to implement our aggressive growth and user support plans for the information technology arena. His broad background and achievements in managing IT and business processes for international manufacturing, wholesale, and retail corporations will be an important asset to Kellwood. Strong IT management is paramount and the underpinning to operating a successful organization today,” said Upbin.

Saunders most recently held the post of vice president-business processes and chief information officer for Russ Berrie and Company, where he transformed the company's global IT infrastructure into a world-class architecture to align technology with business operations. Prior to Russ Berrie, he served as vice president and chief information officer of Danskin, and vice president and chief information officer of Jenna Lane Group.