Wacoal America Inc., the intimate apparel company that owns the CW-X activewear brand, announced its CEO succession plan. As of today, Bob Vitale announced his retirement and will be stepping down as president effectively handing the reins over to Mitch Kauffman, who was previously the brand’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Vitale will continue to serve as CEO, advising and lending guidance to Kauffman until March 2020, when Kauffman would assume the role. The plan is being announced in advance to assure an orderly transition with no disruption to the company’s activities.
Wacoal is an intimates’ category leader, and dominant premier brand in U.S. department and specialty stores, with a flagship boutique located at The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey. The company was founded in Japan in 1949 by Koichi Tsukamoto and launched in America in 1985.
Vitale has led Wacoal America for 7 years, having been with the company almost 22 years and employed in the intimate’s industry for 42 years.
Vitale said, “I consider myself very lucky to have come to Wacoal and have been honored to serve as the company’s president. I am very proud of the unsurpassed level of success Wacoal has earned, which can be directly attributed to its collaborative staff working in the spirit of Wacoal’s guiding principles of mutual trust and respect. It has been a pleasure to witness the brand go from a strong luxury store brand to a position of dominance in department stores and on-line with worldwide growth potential. The foundation of Wacoal America is strong and well prepared to extend our leadership position in a time of unprecedented change.”
Regarding Kauffman and his new role, Vitale is confident for the future of Wacoal stating, “Mitch’s interaction with all departments within the company and with our key store partners has resulted in strong, trusting relationships. He is well regarded for his fair and honest dealings grounded in strong industry knowledge and for his strategic decision-making skills. He has my complete confidence and I have no doubt of the company’s continued success under his leadership.”
Mitch Kauffman commented, “Wacoal America is an extraordinary company and I am proud to be a part of its heritage and continuing success. In my new role I will strive to sustain and enhance our position as the lingerie company that women trust for fit, quality, comfort, and service.” Kauffman, an intimate’s industry veteran with 30 years of experience, has been at Wacoal America for over 3 years leading the Marketing department and Wacoal Sales business.
Kauffman continued, “The fast pace of change in the retail environment brings with it some challenges, but also affords us opportunities for continued growth in new areas. Our Department and Specialty Store business is healthy and will continue to be at the core of our strategy moving forward. Wacoal America already enjoys a robust penetration online, and we will continue to focus on growing our brands in that space through enhanced marketing efforts. Additionally, we see great opportunity in our international businesses in Canada, Central and South America. The future of the brand remains bright.”
As of today, Vitale announced his retirement and will maintain the role of CEO through March 2020. Mitch Kauffman will assume the role of President of Wacoal America beginning October 2019, and the role of CEO effective March 2020.
