Kauffman Is President Wacoal America

Wacoal America announced at the start of October that Mitch Kauffman, who has been with the company for almost four years, most recently as SVP sales and marketing, has been named president, and will add the title of CEO in March 2020.

Current CEO Bob Vitale, who relinquished the title of president, announced “his retirement and plans for a seamless CEO transition.” He will remain CEO until Kauffman takes over.

Vitale “has led Wacoal America for seven years, having been with the company almost 22 years and employed in the intimates industry for 42 years,” according to the announcement.

Kauffman originally joined Wacoal as VP sales in January 2016 according to his Linkedin profile, and before that served for over a year as VP / customer officer intimates at Hanes. His longest previous employment, however, was his 27 years at Maidenform, where he rose to the title of SVP sales and brand manager.

“Wacoal America is an extraordinary company and I am proud to be a part of its heritage and continuing success,” declared Kaufman. “In my new role I will strive to sustain and enhance our position as the lingerie company that women trust for fit, quality, comfort, and service.” He added, “the fast pace of change in the retail environment brings with it some challenges, but also affords us opportunities for continued growth in new areas. Our department and specialty store business is healthy and will continue to be at the core of our strategy moving forward. Wacoal America already enjoys a robust penetration online, and we will continue to focus on growing our brands in that space through enhanced marketing efforts. Additionally, we see great opportunity in our international businesses in Canada, Central and South America. The future of the brand remains bright.” — NM