Destination XL Group names interim CEO ahead of search
The parent company of DXL Big + Tall and Casual Male XL has a new interim leader.
Destination XL Group Inc. (DXL) has named Lionel Conacher, chairman of the DXL board, as interim CEO, effective Aug. 12. Conacher’s appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Harvey Kanter, effective Aug. 11. Kanter will also step down from the board at that time.
Conacher has served on DXL’s board of directors since June 2018 and as chairman since August 2020. From 2021 to 2025, he served as a director of SRx Health Solutions Inc., including as interim CEO from September 2022 to May 2023.
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Conacher’s background includes many financial and private equity related roles. Previously, he served as managing partner of Next Ventures, senior advisor to private equity firm Altamont Capital Partners, and president and chief operating officer of investment bank Thomas Weisel Partners.
“I am honored to take on the role of Interim CEO at an important time for DXL,” said Conacher, who will continue in his role as chairman of the board. “We are executing a clear strategy to return the company to profitability against a challenging market backdrop, taking decisive action to reduce our cost structure and evolve our assortment, promotional strategy and customer experience to better meet the needs of our consumer today. Our board will conduct a thorough search to identify the right leader to execute on our strategic priorities and capture the opportunities ahead in a dynamic consumer environment.”
Kanter has served as DXL’s chief executive since 2019. His previous experience includes serving as the CEO and president of online jewelry retailer Blue Nile and outdoor apparel brand Moosejaw.
“It has been a privilege to lead the DXL team, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made in advancing our vision of redefining the way our industry approaches inclusive fashion,” said Kanter. “Together, we have established DXL as the leading specialty retailer in men’s big and tall and built a platform that is well-positioned for future success.”
As of May 2, the company operated 293 stores, with the majority under the DXL banner.
