Warnaco Taps Former VF Exec to Head Swimwear Business

The Warnaco Group, Inc. appointed James B. Gerson as president of its Swimwear division. Gerson joins Warnaco from V.F. Corp, where he most recently served as president of Reef.

Gerson will oversee all aspects of the Speedo and Calvin Klein Swimwear businesses and will report directly to Helen McCluskey, Group President, Intimate Apparel and Swimwear. He will be based out of the Warnaco Swimwear Group's headquarters in Los Angeles, CA.

Prior to running Reef, he spent eight years with The North Face brand, where he held increasingly senior leadership positions in Research, Design and Development. In addition, he spent more than a decade concentrating on Swimwear, beginning his tenure with V.F. Corp. focused on Jantzen Swimwear.

“We are delighted to welcome Jim to the Warnaco Swimwear Group,” commented Helen McCluskey. “His rich background in swimwear and experience in product design, merchandising and general brand management complement our existing team and will serve us well as we aim to extend our leadership position in Speedo and maximize the global growth opportunities for our Calvin Klein Swim business.”