Changing of the guard at Calvin Klein

The chief executive of Calvin Klein has exited the company.

Apparel giant PVH Corp., whose brands include Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Izod, Speedo and Van Heusen, has appointed Cheryl Abel-Hodges as the new CEO of Calvin Klein. Abel-Hodges previously served as group president, Calvin Klein North America and The Underwear Group. She succeeds Steve Shiffman, who has stepped down as CEO of Calvin Klen to pursue other interests, the company said.

Shiffman, who had served as CEO of Calvin Klein since 2014,  joined PVH in 1992. The brand is seeking to turnaround and grow its business with new initiatives. In December, its chief creative officer, Raf Simons, left the company and in January, it announced a “digital-first” approach and a reorganization of its North American division. It also announced that it would close its flagship on Manhattan’s Madison Avenue.

“I have great confidence that Cheryl is the right person to lead the Calvin Klein  brand,” said Emanuel Chirico, chairman and CEO, PVH Corp. “Her strong management abilities, together with her consistent track record for operational excellence, will provide strong direction for the Calvin Klein team. I believe this leadership change, coupled with our incredible management teams around the world, will allow us to capture the brand’s long-term growth potential.”

Since joining PVH in 2006, Abel-Hodges has held various leadership positions across the organization. In her new role, Abel-Hodges reports to Stefan Larsson, who was recently named to the new role of PVH president.