Destination XL names COO
A consultant is joining the C-suite at Destination XL Group.
The men’s big-and-tall clothing and footwear retailer has appointed Dara Pauker as COO, effective January 27. Reporting to Pauker will be DXL’s chief stores officer, chief merchandising officer, senior VP global sourcing and senior VP technology.
Pauker has been working with DXL on a long-range strategic growth plan as a consultant since December 2021. She brings more than 20 years of strategy and leadership experience, with a particular emphasis on growth initiatives, the company said.
Prior to joining DXL, Pauker operated her own consultancy, called Dauntless Decisions, through which she has held many interim GM roles and advised public and private retail companies and investors in retail on a broad array of topics related to defining and executing growth strategy.
Prior to launching her consultancy in 2014, Pauker held a number of senior roles in strategy and general management, including president and general manager of ghd, North America and as CEO, North America, for Custo Barcelona.
Earlier in her career, Pauker held executive roles at Liz Claiborne and The Jones Group.
“Working with Dara on the company’s long-range business development and strategic plan, I have been consistently impressed by both her strategic acumen and her ability to collaboratively help us define growth and operational initiatives,” said Harvey Kanter, president and CEO. “She has proven herself to be a valuable contributor to the team, and I am very pleased that she has agreed to join DXL Big + Tall,”. “Dara’s appointment emphasizes our commitment to transforming and growing our business.”
[Read More: Exclusive: Q&A with Harvey Kanter, CEO of Destination XL Group]
Based in Canton, Mass., Destination XL Group operates DXL Big + Tall retail and outlet stores and Casual Male XL retail and outlet stores in the United States along with a digital commerce website and mobile app.
“My entire career has been dedicated to growing businesses,” said Pauker. “I admire what the DXL leadership team has accomplished and strongly believe in the potential of DXL. I am committed to helping make our growth initiatives a reality as we solidify DXL Big + Tall’s position as the haven for men’s big and tall apparel and footwear.”