Former CEO of Cost Plus World Market takes top spot at high-end fashion brand

Vince Holding Corp. has named a permanent chief executive.

The parent company of Vince and Rebecca Taylor appointed Jack Schwefel as CEO, effective March 29, 2021. He will replace David Stefko who has served as interim CEO since the end of August, and who will continue to serve as executive VP and CFO.

Prior to joining Vince, from 2017 to 2021, Schwefel served as the CEO of Cost Plus World Market, which was recently sold by Bed Bath & Beyond to Kingswood Capital Management.

Prior to Cost Plus, from 2014 until 2017, he served as CEO for Dutch Fashion, where he expanded the retail division across all three brands: Joie, Equipment and Current/Elliott. Schwefel served as the CEO of Sur La Table, Inc. from 2006 until 2014.

Schwefel also held various executive and senior management positions both domestically and internationally at multiple brands, including Gap, Esprit, Kohl’s and Toys “R” Us.  

“I am thrilled to be joining the company at this exciting time as we execute the next phase of growth for the Vince brand and continue to advance the progress made at Rebecca Taylor,” Schwefel said. “These are two incredible brands with tremendous potential, which are supported by extraordinary creative leadership.”

Vince Holding operates 49 full-price Vince stores and 15 outlet locations, along with 10 Rebecca Taylor stores.