Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) December 03, 2013
When power players from the ranks of Victoria's Secret, Nautica and Christian Dior get on board with an up-and-coming underwear brand, the fashion world takes note.
In recent months, high-ranking apparel and finance executives have joined Naked Brand Group Inc.(OTCBB:NAKD), bringing with them a wealth of experience at a critical time for the company as it sets its sights on strategic expansion.
The additions of garment industry veterans Christopher Heyne (Nautica) Brad McCann (Concept Snowboard Clothing), and Husain Patni (MAS Intimates), and corporate finance expert Andrew J. Kaplan represent a tremendous vote of confidence for the growing lifestyle brand, which has already captured significant attention in the men’s underwear market with its premium products and branding, and mass media exposure on outlets like The View, Esquire, ABC, Women’s Wear Daily and the Dragon’s Den.
“This company is set to reach incredible heights and become a major player in the undergarment industry,” says Joel Primus, CEO of Naked. “The fact that these seasoned professionals are joining our team and embracing our vision, solidifies our growing presence in the global apparel industry”. The company is launching a women’s underwear line, swimwear, lifestyle products, fragrances, and expanding into new markets.
Naked most recently rolled out their Pima Cotton t-shirts in 10 different colors, their space age ‘silver’ underwear collection, their new innovative tencel collection and their NKD collection, which is targeting a demographic of college students and younger shoppers. Plans for 2014 include expansion into a women’s day wear collections of bra’s, underwear and lounge wear as well as further expansion the Naked and NKD lines both domestically and abroad.
Apparel and consumer products veteran Christopher Heyne, who has joined the Company’s Board of Directors, has previously served as CEO, Summit Golf Brands, President of Nautica Sportswear and Nautica Jeans Company, Senior Vice President for National Basketball Association’s Global Merchandising Group, and Executive Vice President of Christian Dior Sportswear.
Heyne is an expert at increasing distribution through department stores, international distribution, reinventing brands, implementing ecommerce strategies, consolidating business units, negotiating strategic partnerships, launching new product categories and has increased profits at every single company he has worked with. “I am energized by Naked Brand’s commitment and passion to create superior products. Their product combination of style, great fit, performance fabrics and functionality are a powerful combination for today’s market. I look forward to helping the team achieve their financial and product goals,” said Heyn.
Brad McCann, who founded Concept Snowboard Clothing in 1989 and grew it into a global market leader, has also joined Naked’s Advisory Board. He has previously consulted with the company through his apparel design company Platform Product Solutions. “Through my company’s involvement with Naked, I had the opportunity to get to know the extraordinary people behind the Company and watch them execute on their vision first-hand,” says McCann.
Hussein Patni, of MAS INTIMATES, Victoria’s Secret, Nike, Gap and Hanes fame, has been serving as the Company’s Sourcing and Production Manager, overseeing the procurement and production of its premium product lines composed of the world’s finest fabrics and components.
And if that wasn’t enough, Andrew J. Kaplan, Vice President of investor relations firm Barry Kaplan Associates has also joined Naked’s Board of Directors. Mr. Kaplan brings extensive experience in corporate finance, having helped raise in excess of $500 million for his clients over the past ten years. He has already established an $8.3 Million equity line for Naked to fund its inventory and growth plans.
"Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and relationships throughout North America, as well as a deep understanding of investor relations, public markets and financing which will be invaluable to the company as we expand into new verticals and launch our women's line," concluded Joel.
Mr. Kaplan says, "I believe that Naked has the potential to become a major retail brand and feel that my career working with emerging growth companies will add value to the board. I look forward to helping them grow by accessing institutional shareholders and capital."
The newest additions to the Naked team have joined at the perfect juncture in the Company’s growth.
“This is a fantastic time for these professionals to join us,” says Primus. “There is so much movement and flexibility in how we innovate and how we grow right now. These new team members have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on company decisions, help steer us and work with us as we make our next steps, and to really make their mark on a growing brand. It’s a mutually-beneficial union for everyone involved.”
With this many heavy hitters guiding this company you have to ask yourself, is there anything but success in their future?
To learn more about Naked Brand Group, visit their website at http://www.thenakedshop.com.
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