Steven Madden names interim ceo

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. Steven Madden has announced that Edward Rosenfeld, evp of strategic planning and finance of the company, has been named interim ceo and Walter Yetnikoff, an independent director of the company, has been named non- dxecutive chairman of the board, effective immediately. Jamieson Karson, chairman and ceo, has resigned from both his management and board positions in order to pursue other opportunities.

Yetnikoff stated, "The board of directors believes that Ed's strong industry knowledge and proven track record at the company make him the ideal person to serve as interim ceo during this important time for our company. We will continue to concentrate our efforts on further growing our core business as well as developing new opportunities in order to maximize the company's potential."

Rosenfeld has been a member of the executive management team since joining the company in May 2005. He has also served as a member of the board of directors since February. Prior to joining the company, he was a vp in the mergers and acquisitions group at Peter J. Solomon Company, an investment banking boutique where he focused on the retail and apparel industries.

Yetnikoff has served as an independent director of Steven Madden since May 2005. He previously served as ceo of Commotion Records, a company he co-founded in 2003. He served as president and ceo of CBS Records and Sony Music from 1975 to 1990 and served on the board of directors of CBS from 1975 through 1988.