Target, JCPenney veteran joins Xcel board

Xcel Brands Inc. has appointed a veteran marketing executive of Target to the Xcel board of directors.

"We are thrilled to have Michael Francis join our board of directors," saidRobert D'Loren, chairman and CEO of Xcel Brands Inc. "Michael brings incredible marketing, leadership, innovation, and extensive branding experience to our Board and Xcel, and we look forward to working with him in this new capacity."

Francis is currently the chief global brand officer for DreamWorks Animation SKG. Prior to joining DreamWorks he was the founder and CEO of Farview Associates, a brand development agency focused on the creation of new brands and the support of established global brands.

His prior experience includes the position of president of JCPenney and more than 26 years with the Target Corp., most notably as the Global Chief Marketing Officer, where he was a key architect of the brand's 'Cheap Chic' differentiation strategy.

Advertising Age previously named Francis one of the world's top marketers and Business Week and Fast Company have previously listed him as one of the top global innovators.

"I'm honored to join the Xcel Board and look forward to working with my colleagues and management to support and advance their vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social as one."

Xcel Brands, Inc. is a leader and innovator in the omnichannel retailing of consumer brands. Xcel owns and manages the Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka and H Halston brands, pioneering an omnichannel sales strategy inclusive of interactive media, brick and mortar retail, and e-commerce. Xcel also owns an interest in, manages and designs the Liz Claiborne New York brand.