Carter’s start search for a new CEO
The chief executive of Carter’s Inc. has stepped down.
The infants and young children’s apparel brand said that Michael D. Casey is retiring as chairman and CEO after more than 15 years in the role and a more than 30-year career with the company. Richard F. Westenberger, who joined Carter’s in 2009, has been appointed interim CEO in addition to his responsibilities as senior executive VP, CFO and COO. Officer in March 2024. The changes are effective immediately.
Casey will serve in an advisory capacity until Feb. 28, 2025 to help support the leadership transition. The board has retained Egon Zehnder to assist in its search for a new chief executive. The search is focused exclusively on external candidates.
In other appointments, William J. Montgoris, lead Independent director, has been appointed non-executive chairman of the board of directors.
“On behalf of the board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Mike for his dedication, leadership, and numerous contributions over his three decades at the company,” said Montgoris. “During his tenure, the company has strengthened its position as the market leader in young children’s apparel and has grown significantly through the creation of new brands and new channels of distribution including retail stores, eCommerce, and our international businesses. We look forward to identifying our next CEO who can build on this strong foundation and deliver a new chapter of growth and value creation for Carter’s.”
[READ MORE: Carter's opens its first-ever flagship as part of brand revamp]
Carter’s is the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. The company owns the Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh brands, which are sold through over 1,000 company-operated stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Carter’s also is the largest supplier of young children’s apparel to the largest retailers in North America. Its brands are sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally
“It has been the honor of my career to lead Carter’s alongside our talented and dedicated team,” said Casey. “Together, we have built the strongest and most trusted brands in young children’s apparel, grown our unique multi-channel business model, and strengthened our marketing and operational capabilities. As we enter a new year, I believe it is the right time for me to retire and for the company to identify its next leader. Carter’s is in good hands and well-positioned to strengthen its leadership of the young children’s apparel market in the years ahead.”
