PacSun announced a leadership transition whereby Alfred Chang, PacSun president, and Michael Relich, interim CEO of PSEB Group, will be elevated to Co-chief Executive Officers, and Brieane Olson, PacSun’s chief brand officer, will be promoted to president.
Chang has served as president of PacSun since 2018 and has over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, including serving in multiple senior positions since joining the company in 2006. Relich, who has more than 30 years of retail operations and system experience, has served as Interim CEO of PSEB Group, which owns PacSun and Eddie Bauer, since August 2020 and previously served as PSEB’s chief operating officer. Olson has over 20 years of experience in the retail industry and has served as chief brand officer of PacSun since July 2020, and previously served in multiple senior positions since joining the company in 2006.
Founded in 1980, and acquired by Golden Gate Capital in 2016, PacSun is a youth culture brand delivering a collection of the most relevant brands and styles. The company represents Vans, Fear of God Essentials, Champion, and John Galt, and its own labels.
Neale Attenborough, PSEB chairman and operating partner at Golden Gate Capital, said, “Alfred has established himself as a visionary leader for PacSun and Mike has driven operational excellence through his strong stewardship of PSEB. The company is enjoying success through a strong roster of brand partnerships with the most coveted youth culture brands in the market, and a terrific bench of seasoned leaders. We are confident the company will accelerate its trajectory under the leadership of Alfred and Mike, combined with Brie’s creative, merchandising, and marketing expertise.”
Mike Montgomery, managing director at Golden Gate Capital, said, “PacSun is finding great success and resonating with consumers. The company’s winning brand strategy and thriving e-commerce platform have made it one of the most sought-after retailers for teens and young adults. Since acquiring the company in 2016, EBITDA has more than tripled. We are excited about the opportunities ahead for PacSun and look forward to continuing to support the team.”
Chang said, “Over the past 15 years, we have evolved PacSun to create not only a better brand for our customers but a stronger internal culture. By focusing foremost on our community and what means most to them – not just fashion and trends, but creativity, culture, diversity, and inclusion – we have created a dynamic and relevant lifestyle brand that represents so much more than just great products. I am incredibly proud of the company PacSun is today and thrilled to assume this role alongside Mike, a colleague that I respect immensely.”
Relich said, “This is an exciting time in PacSun’s history and I am pleased to assume the Co-CEO role. It has been a pleasure working closely with Alfred over the last couple of years and I know from experience that our skills and leadership styles complement each other perfectly. We have a leading brand, a strong operational and technology infrastructure in place and a winning strategy, all driven by the best team in the business. PacSun has tremendous momentum and I believe the best is yet to come.”
Olson said, “It has been deeply rewarding to see PacSun thrive since I joined the company 14 years ago, and I am excited to continue building upon our unique brand identity. I look forward to working with Alfred, Mike and the rest of our amazing team to continue to strengthen our platform.”
As Co-CEOs, Chang and Relich will have oversight of key business functions. Chang will be responsible for setting and driving PacSun’s brand strategy, including design, merchandising, marketing, retail, and e-commerce. Relich will oversee operations, including sourcing/supply chain, distribution, planning & allocation, IT, finance, legal, and human resources. Both will serve on the PacSun Board of Directors. As President, Olson will continue to have oversight of merchandising/design for both Men’s and Women’s, and brand marketing and creative.
Photo courtesy PacSun
