Former BN exec named CEO at Kellwood

Leading apparel manufacturer Kellwood has named ex-Barnes & Noble chief financial officer Joseph Lombardi as CEO.

Lombardi joined Kellwood as CFO in 2013, and has three decades of retail experience across a variety of sectors, including apparel.

"The board of directors is very pleased to name Joe Lombardi as Kellwood's new CEO," said Mark Brody, Kellwood board director. "He brings a wealth of leadership and industry experience to the table along with financial acumen. These skills will be invaluable as the company continues to build on its strong foundation for growth."

Prior to joining Kellwood, Lombardi was CFO of Barnes & Noble, where he oversaw strategic planning and development to focus on growth opportunities and investment returns. He led a variety of high profile initiatives involving key mergers, acquisitions, spinoffs and the disposition of non-core businesses.

Additionally, he implemented asset productivity improvements, enhanced inventory turnover and increased cash flow.

Before his 10-year tenure at Barnes & Noble, Lombardi held management positions at the Museum Company and Toys "R" Us Inc. He began his career at Ernst & Young, where he became a partner and worked with a variety of global companies, including such well known apparel brands as Phillips-Van Heusen, Russ Togs, adidas USA, Pony and Le Coq Sportif.

Kellwood Holding, LLC manufactures and markets a portfolio of premier contemporary fashion brands, including: Jax, Sag Harbor and Briggs NY. Kellwood operates retail stores and the e-commerce site for Rebecca Taylor and the e-tail store, Mason & Belle.