George Sokolowski Named Vice President Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer for Kellwood

NEW YORK, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- George Sokolowski has been named vice president strategy and chief marketing officer for Kellwood Company, according to Robert C. Skinner, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer of Kellwood. Sokolowski will be responsible for strategic planning and tactics, brand development and positioning, consumer research, trend analysis, and building relationships with key retailers.

Sokolowski has more than 30 years of experience in the retail and consumer packaged goods industries, most recently as managing partner of SkyTop Advisors, a retail marketing advisory group. He previously was executive vice president/chief marketing officer of The TJX Companies, where he oversaw marketing efforts at a time when the entity more than tripled in size. In that position, he was responsible for driving significant same store sales growth as well as identifying and capitalizing on new business-building opportunities.

"George's strong marketing background as well as his strategic planning expertise will be key to positioning Kellwood for future growth as we execute our long-term plan," Skinner said. "We are delighted to have someone of George's stature join our team."

Sokolowski succeeds Patrick J. Burns, who was promoted to group president of Kellwood's Lifestyle Alliance in September.

Based in New York, Sokolowski will report to Skinner. ABOUT KELLWOOD COMPANY

Kellwood is a $1.6 billion leading marketer of apparel and consumer soft goods. Specializing in branded products, the Company markets to all channels of distribution with products and brands tailored to each specific channel. Kellwood brands include Vince(R), HOLLYWOULD(R), Phat Farm(R), Baby Phat(R), Sag Harbor(R), Koret(R), Jax(R), Democracy(R), Sangria(TM), Jolt(R), My Michelle(R), Briggs New York(R), Hanna Andersson(R), Onesies(R), Kelty(R), Royal Robbins(R) and Sierra Designs(R). Calvin Klein(R), XOXO(R), David Meister(R), Gerber(R), and O Oscar, an Oscar de la Renta Company, are produced under licensing agreements. For more information, visit http://www.kellwood.com/.