Former Michael Kors exec to head up Kate Spade
Tapestry (formerly known as Coach) has named a new CEO and president for its Kate Spade division.
Anna Bakst will join Kate Spade as chief executive on Monday, March 26. She succeeds Craig Leavitt, who departed the brand in 2017 in the wake of its acquisition by Coach.
Bakst most recently served as group president of accessories and footwear at Michael Kors, leading the global design, production and merchandising teams as well as overseeing domestic wholesale distribution. Prior to joining Michael Kors in 2003, she had a 12-year career at Donna Karan International, ultimately serving as president of accessories and footwear.
Bakst will be responsible for all aspects of Kate Spade globally and will report to Tapestry CEO Victor Luis, who has been leading the brand in an interim capacity since Leavitt’s departure
“The appointment of Anna Bakst marks another key step in the evolution of the Kate Spade brand,” stated Luis. “She brings a rare combination of business acumen, directly related fashion experience and strong leadership skills to the company. Together with recently appointed creative director Nicola Glass, we now have the right senior management in place to lead the talented Kate Spade brand team and drive the business globally. Anna's focus on product innovation — notably in the key categories of accessories and footwear — will be a key pillar of the Kate Spade growth strategy.”
Anna Bakst will join Kate Spade as chief executive on Monday, March 26. She succeeds Craig Leavitt, who departed the brand in 2017 in the wake of its acquisition by Coach.
Bakst most recently served as group president of accessories and footwear at Michael Kors, leading the global design, production and merchandising teams as well as overseeing domestic wholesale distribution. Prior to joining Michael Kors in 2003, she had a 12-year career at Donna Karan International, ultimately serving as president of accessories and footwear.
Bakst will be responsible for all aspects of Kate Spade globally and will report to Tapestry CEO Victor Luis, who has been leading the brand in an interim capacity since Leavitt’s departure
“The appointment of Anna Bakst marks another key step in the evolution of the Kate Spade brand,” stated Luis. “She brings a rare combination of business acumen, directly related fashion experience and strong leadership skills to the company. Together with recently appointed creative director Nicola Glass, we now have the right senior management in place to lead the talented Kate Spade brand team and drive the business globally. Anna's focus on product innovation — notably in the key categories of accessories and footwear — will be a key pillar of the Kate Spade growth strategy.”