Leadership Moves: Carhartt Appoints VP of Global Merchandising, Plus C-Suite Changes at Pacsun, and Rite Aid
Significant leadership changes were seen in three major retailers this past week.
Carhartt appointed Tara Roemke as vice president of global merchandising while also serving as general manager of Carhartt’s Men’s and Carhartt Company Gear (uniform B2B and personal protective equipment).
Pacsun announced a series of changes as Mike Relich retires as co-CEO and will become the new vice chairman on the Pacsun Board of Directors. Brie Olson, former co-CEO, will become chief executive officer. While continuing to serve as chief financial officer, Russel Bowers will also operate as chief operating officer, overseeing operations, finance, and information technology in this expanded new role.
Thomas Sabatino will join Rite Aid as executive vice president and chief legal officer, helping to develop the company’s growth strategy to create more meaningful customer experiences.
Tara Roemke – Carhartt
Bringing over 20 years of product management and merchandising experience for some of the most prominent apparel brands, Roemke will be tasked with expanding the development of the company’s Men’s workwear and PPE product strategies while expanding marketplace opportunities to meet the needs of their consumers better. She will report directly to Susan Hennike, chief brand officer for Carhartt.
"Tara has an impressive track record of developing and implementing strategic product plans that authentically reach diverse audiences to drive business," said Hennike. “We are so pleased that she is bringing her expertise to Carhartt and will grow our Men's category and our PPE business in new ways while delivering the premium, durable workwear that our consumers depend on each day.”
Roemke joins Carhartt after 13 years as vice president of apparel and denim product management at Ariat International, with previous experience with Levi Strauss and Gap Inc.
Mike Relich, Brie Olson, and Russell Bowers – Pacsun
With two decades of retail industry experience, including 17 years at Pacsun, Olson has served as co-CEO since March 2023. She has led Pacsun’s brand strategy, helping develop the company’s latest collaboration with Formula 1 at the Miami Grand Prix. She also launched Pacsun’s custom retail platform, PS Reserve, oversaw the launch of Pacsun Kids, and will continue to expand the company’s AI and metaverse initiatives.
"I am excited to continue this adventure as the CEO of Pacsun, which is a cultural force on the forefront of fashion, music, and sports,” Olson said in a statement. “It is a privilege to work beside our talented team to bring the best brands, curated products, and most innovative collaborations to our community of passionate young people around the world.”
During his tenure, Relich expanded the company’s e-commerce growth and led their entry into the China marketplace, and he looks forward to continuing his impact as vice chairman of the board. “Brie is an exceptional leader, and I am excited to watch the company continue to flourish with her at the helm,” he said in a statement.
Bowers has served as Pacsun’s chief financial officer since 2017, leading the brand’s recent restructuring, ventures, risk management, and financial strategy. He has over two decades worth of experience in executive finance for leading fashion retailers like Hanna Andersson, Guess?, and BCBG Max Azria.
"Russ has been a tremendous asset to Pacsun since he joined the company in 2017, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have with his broadened role in the company as COO and CFO,” said Mike Montgomery, managing director at Golden Gate Capital.
These changes take effect on June 15th, 2023.
Thomas Sabatino – Rite Aid
Sabatino will join the executive leadership team at Rite Aid and help the company better navigate complex business needs and issues. He most recently served as executive vice president and general counsel at Tenneco, Inc., with previous executive roles at Aetna, Walgreen, Boots Alliance, Schering Plough Corp., and Baxter International Inc.
“We believe Tom’s proven leadership and extensive background in the healthcare industry and company transformations will help us further our mission to provide whole health for life to all of our customers,” said Busy Barr, interim chief executive officer at Rite Aid.
