New CEO, exec team named at True Religion Apparel

VERNON, Calif. — True Religion Apparel has appointed David Conn as CEO. He will be joined by a new leadership team that, together with the company’s new owner, TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P., will be charged with guiding the company into its next phase of growth.

Conn joins from VF Corporation and has leadership experience in brand management and marketing in the apparel and footwear industries. Prior to his time as president of VF Retail Licensed Brands, Conn served as EVP of the Iconix Brand Group.

“I’ve admired True Religion for a long time and I’m thrilled to join such an exceptional team,” said Conn. I feel fortunate to have Lynne, Eric and TowerBrook as partners as we begin this new chapter for the company. I look forward to working with them and with the talented employees of True Religion to make a great company even stronger.”

Lynne Koplin, who served as interim CEO, has made the transition to a new role as chief merchandising officer, and Eric Bauer has been named as CFO and COO.

Koplin has been a member of the True Religion management team since 2010. In addition to her role as interim CEO, she has served as COO and president and has significant experience in product and store design, as well as retail merchandising. Bauer previously served as COO at the Children’s Place Retail Stores and as EVP, brand operations and COO of the Gap North America. As part of the transition, Pete Collins, who has served as the company’s CFO for six years, will exit the company.

“I am pleased to welcome David as the new CEO of True Religion,” said Andrew Rolfe, chairman of the board of True Religion and managing director of TowerBrook. “I am excited by the expertise that he, together with Lynne and Eric, bring to the company. The team we’ve brought together, led by David’s strong leadership and vision, will enable True Religion to accelerate its growth and realize its potential, both in the U.S. and internationally.”

True Religion Apparel, Inc. is a growing, design-based denim and denim-related sportswear brand. The company designs, manufactures and distributes True Religion Apparel products, including its True Religion brand jeans, sportswear and licensed accessories. True Religion products may be found in the company's branded retail and outlet stores as well as contemporary department stores and boutiques in 50 countries on six continents. The company operates 130 stores in the U.S. and more than 33 international stores.