There’s going to be a change at the top of Guess.
The fashion apparel retailer on Monday named Carlos Alberini as chief executive, succeeding Maurice Marciano, who is leaving the company effective Feb. 2.
Alberini, who will also become a director of Guess, is currently CEO of Lucky Brand. He was previously with Guess, serving as president and COO from 2000 to 2010. After leaving Guess, he served as co-CEO of Restoration Hardware until 2014, at which time he was tapped as chairman and CEO of Lucky Brand.
“I am very excited to have Carlos coming back as CEO at Guess?, Inc.,” stated Maurice Marciano, who will act as interim CEO during the transition. “He was instrumental in building the international business in Europe and Asia during his 10-year tenure with the company.”
In addition, and in a move that is sure to be seen as controversial by many in the fashion community, Guess announced that, at the request of the board, company co-founder Paul Marciano has agreed to remain as chief creative officer, with his employment “at will.” He resigned as executive chairman of the company last year, following an internal investigation of allegations of sexual harassment by supermodel Kate Upton and others.
In June, Guess said it would pay out $500,000 in settlements to five individuals and that Paul Marchiano would remain on the board but resign his executive chairman role, to be succeeded by his brother Maurice. Guess said its settlements were not an admission of liability or fault.