Pacific Sunwear names new CEO

Anaheim, Calif. Pacific Sunwear of Calif. Inc. said Wednesday a former Vans chief executive will replace president and chief executive Sally Frame Kasaks, effective at the end of the month.

Kasaks became CEO in 2006 and chairman in 2007. She will remain a member of the board of directors. Director Peter Starrett, 61, will become non-executive chairman of the board. 

Gary H. Schoenfeld, 46, was previously vice chairman and president, as well as co-CEO, from 2006 to 2008 at Global Brands Group. Before that, he was president and CEO of Vans Inc. before it was acquired by VF Corp. in 2004.

Kasaks said in a statement Schoenfeld's background with youth fashion and brand-building are a good fit for Pacific Sunwear.

Ms. Kasaks said, "The Board and I are delighted that Gary will join Pacific Sunwear. Gary is an experienced and talented leader with a proven track record in building brands from both a retail and wholesale perspective. His marketing and merchandising background and familiarity with the youth fashion segment make him ideally suited for leading PacSun, and I am committed to working with Gary to ensure a smooth transition."

The chain has suffered amid the recession, and cut jobs and made other moves to shore up costs. Loss for the fiscal first quarter ended May 2 totaled $8.7 million, while sales fell 16% to $223.5 million.