Fossil Inc., owner and manufacturer of branded watches including Skagen, Michael Kors, Diesel and its own-branded range of timepieces, has announced changes to its leadership team.
Tom Kennedy has been promoted to the role of executive vice president, having joined the company in 2009 as a senior vice president within the company’s retail sector. He will now oversee the Fossil own brand watches and accessories, including all product development and its creative aspects.
The company has also hired two new staff members. Edward J. Robben has joined Fossil as senior vice president of the company’s chief information office and Joanna Calabrese has taken on the rose of senior vice president of retail merchandising.
Prior to joining Fossil Robben worked for US department store J.C. Penney where he was also an executive board member. He is said to have significant experience in systems and technology, having built teams across both the fashion and consumer space.
Calabrese, meanwhile, joins Fossil from JCR Consulting, a multi-channel retail consulting firm based in San Francisco. She has previously held retail leadership roles at The Body Shop and Gap in the US, and will now be responsible for the Fossil’s direct merchandising and outlet concept strategy.
A statement from Kosta Kartsotis, Fossil’s chief executive, said: “We are excited about leveraging Tom’s leadership skills and vast product experience in his new role within the Company.
“Additionally, we believe the additions of Ed and Joanne will be invaluable in building upon our global infrastructure and increasing the size of the Fossil footprint worldwide."
