10.31.08
Retailer Phil Kowalczyk is to become president for The Body Shop in the Americas region, and will be responsible for the company's growth in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Across the Americas, The Body Shop is a multi-channel business with 461 The Body Shop boutiques, online shopping and, in the US, The Body Shop At Home party plan business. Globally, the company has more than 2,400 stores across more than 60 countries.
Mr. Kowalczyk joins The Body Shop from women's apparel specialty brand Talbots Inc. where he was chief operating officer and J.Jill, where he held the role of president. Mr. Kowalczyk was instrumental in Talbots, Inc.'s decision to acquire J.Jill and has created strong growth for the business.
Mr. Kowalczyk said today: "I've long admired The Body Shop for its products, its big personality and its ability to remain true to its ethical origins throughout its 32 year history. Green is a big fashion statement at the moment, but how many businesses can honestly say, as The Body Shop can, that they truly have green running through their veins? Its authenticity is undeniable.”
"Leading The Body Shop in the Americas and exploring its full potential is an exciting prospect which I'm wholeheartedly looking forward to."
Mr. Kowalczyk will report to The Body Shop International Chief Executive Officer, Sophie Gasperment, who is based in London, UK.
Ms. Gasperment added: "Phil's impressive track record and his strong leadership demonstrates his ability to develop a sustainable business model and I'm looking forward to working with him to take The Body Shop to a new level of awareness in the Americas."
Prior to joining Talbots, Inc, Mr. Kowalczyk held the position of Managing Director for the Americas Region with Kurt Salmon Associates, a global consultancy firm focusing on Retail industries, in the areas of strategy and productivity improvement.
Outgoing President, Peter Ridler, who has held executive roles for both the UK and ROI and most recently the Americas is returning to the UK to become Managing Director for Accessorize Worldwide.
Across the Americas, The Body Shop is a multi-channel business with 461 The Body Shop boutiques, online shopping and, in the US, The Body Shop At Home party plan business. Globally, the company has more than 2,400 stores across more than 60 countries.
Mr. Kowalczyk joins The Body Shop from women's apparel specialty brand Talbots Inc. where he was chief operating officer and J.Jill, where he held the role of president. Mr. Kowalczyk was instrumental in Talbots, Inc.'s decision to acquire J.Jill and has created strong growth for the business.
Mr. Kowalczyk said today: "I've long admired The Body Shop for its products, its big personality and its ability to remain true to its ethical origins throughout its 32 year history. Green is a big fashion statement at the moment, but how many businesses can honestly say, as The Body Shop can, that they truly have green running through their veins? Its authenticity is undeniable.”
"Leading The Body Shop in the Americas and exploring its full potential is an exciting prospect which I'm wholeheartedly looking forward to."
Mr. Kowalczyk will report to The Body Shop International Chief Executive Officer, Sophie Gasperment, who is based in London, UK.
Ms. Gasperment added: "Phil's impressive track record and his strong leadership demonstrates his ability to develop a sustainable business model and I'm looking forward to working with him to take The Body Shop to a new level of awareness in the Americas."
Prior to joining Talbots, Inc, Mr. Kowalczyk held the position of Managing Director for the Americas Region with Kurt Salmon Associates, a global consultancy firm focusing on Retail industries, in the areas of strategy and productivity improvement.
Outgoing President, Peter Ridler, who has held executive roles for both the UK and ROI and most recently the Americas is returning to the UK to become Managing Director for Accessorize Worldwide.