Alternative Apparel, Atlanta, announced several key organizational changes this week. As Alternative Apparel sets it sights on rapid global brand expansion, redefining the roles of major players will allow the company to streamline its strategic focus and remain on a solid growth path for 2011 and beyond.
Most notably, former president Evan Toporek will now take the reins as Alternative Apparel’s chief executive officer and continue to serve on the company’s board of directors. As stated by Alternative Apparel founder and chief creative officer Greg Alterman, “I am confident that in his new role, Evan will flawlessly execute our strategic plan and help us stay on course to become the preeminent casual lifestyle apparel brand.” Since joining Alternative Apparel in 1998, Toporek has helped Alternative Apparel generate a remarkable 13 consecutive years of revenue, earnings and employee growth.
“We have never felt more aware of our potential or more confident in our plan to reach it,” said Toporek. “There is an excitement around our brand that needs constant fueling. My job is to ensure that we deliver a differentiated brand experience and to protect our culture from any dilution whatsoever as we continue our rapid ascension.”
The company also announced other executive appointments. In his newly expanded role as chief commercial officer, Seth Ellison will oversee the development and execution of the company’s dynamic commercial strategy, focusing on global sales, merchandising, and sourcing within Alternative Apparel’s U.S. and international wholesale, private label and promotional businesses.
Reporting to Ellison, Arash Soleimani has recently joined the Alternative Apparel team as vice president of sourcing after 14 years of similar responsibilities with Guess Inc. According to Toporek, this addition will ensure a smooth exchange of ideas and information between the company’s merchandising, product development and sourcing functions. This competency is of growing importance as Alternative Apparel rapidly approaches $100 million in annual sales and enters into the retail market with its first flagship store opening this April in Venice, California.
Also critical are the promotions of Mickey Castagna and Jessica Adler from directors of sales to vice presidents of sales. Castagna will continue to lead the company’s sales team in the promotional and private label markets while his counterpart Adler will be responsible for leading efforts in the U.S. wholesale segment. A testament to Alternative Apparel’s consistent growth and development, Adler will also be heading up the company’s recently opened office and showroom in New York.
For more information, visit www.alternativeapparel.com.
