PJ Solomon, the investment banking advisory firm, announced the appointment of Matthew Rubel as a senior advisor to the firm. Rubin was the former CEO of Varsity Brands and Collective Brands.
Rubel will collaborate with David Shiffman and Cathy Leonhardt, co-heads of PJ Solomon’s Global Retail Group, along with Managing Director Jeff Derman, in advising clients in the retail and consumer goods industries.
Rubel has over 35 years of experience in the consumer and multi-channel retail industry, having led many successful global brands and businesses. He currently serves as executive chairman of KidKraft and as an independent director at Hudson’s Bay Company and TreeHouse Foods. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer and president of Varsity Brands, where he led the firm to record profits.
Previously, Rubel served as chairman, chief executive officer and president of Collective Brands, Inc., which includes Payless ShoeSource, Inc., Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds. Under his leadership, Collective Brands grew to a $3.4 billion company in 92 countries.
“As the retail sector continues to undergo unprecedented change, we are delighted to be partnering with an industry veteran like Matt,” said Marc Cooper, chief executive officer of PJ Solomon. “With his track record of growing global brands, Matt’s expertise will augment the unparalleled advisory services we have provided retail clients for nearly three decades.”
Rubel also served as an independent director at Supervalu, where he chaired the compensation committee and the CEO search committee. He will partner with Scott Moses, head of PJ Solomon’s Food Retail & Restaurants Group, to enhance its strong presence across various food retail sectors, including traditional and specialty grocery stores.
Rubel said: “I am thrilled to be joining PJ Solomon, a firm with a distinguished reputation in the retail sector. Retail success hinges on knowing and understanding the customer, particularly during this period of historic transformation that we have experienced in recent years. I look forward to drawing upon my industry knowledge to help clients achieve their corporate and financial objectives.”
Prior to Collective Brands, Rubel held senior roles at Cole Haan LLC, J. Crew Group, Popular Club Plan, Revlon and Murjani International Ltd., where he was in charge of the Tommy Hilfiger businesses. He also formerly served as a senior advisor to Roark Capital Group and TPG Capital, L.P.
Rubel became a Presidential Appointee to the House Advisory Council on Trade Policy Negotiation in 2010, a service he continues to fulfill today.
