Sycamore completes acquisition of Talbots; appoints former Vitamin Shoppe executive as CEO

Hingham, Mass. -- Private equity firm Sycamore Partners, which has wrapped up its $391 million acquisition of The Talbots, appointed Michael Archbold, formerly president and COO of Vitamin Shoppe, as CEO and CFO of Talbots. Archbold, who also served as executive VP and CFO of Saks Fifth Avenue, replaces Trudy Sullivan, who resigned from the CEO’s job after Sycamore completed its acquisition of Talbots late last week.

“Talbots is a classic, American fashion retail brand with a strong foundation and an iconic reputation in women's retail," Archbold stated. "By restoring the company's focus on Talbots' classic styling, we will be able to reconnect with the company's historical customer base.

Sycamore also announced that Lizanne Kindler, previously executive VP of product development at Kohl's, has been named president.

Michele Mandell, who previously served as executive VP of stores at Talbots, has rejoined the company as COO. She retired from the chain in 2008.

Talbots' headquarters will remain in Hingham, Mass.

“We will restore the Talbots brand and the company's heritage as a leading retailer of traditional women's apparel, shoes and accessories,” said Stefan Kaluzny, a managing director of Sycamore Partners.