Los Angeles-based American Apparel Inc. announced Adrian Kowalewski has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer effective immediately. Kowalewski joined American Apparel in 2006 and has served as the company’s director of corporate finance and development for the past two years, where his responsibilities have included finance, corporate strategy and investor relations. Kowalewski has been a member of American Apparel’s board of directors since the completion of the merger with Endeavor Acquisition Corp. in December 2007. In his new role, Kowalewski will also have oversight over financial management, accounting and financial reporting, including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Dov Charney, chairman and CEO of American Apparel, stated, “The board of directors is very pleased that Adrian has agreed to take on the added responsibility of serving as CFO. In light of his past contributions to American Apparel, and his efforts over the past six months in helping to build the accounting and finance functions at the company, both I and the rest of the board have full confidence that he will serve the company well in this new leadership role.”
Kowalewski began his career in investment banking at CIBC World Markets in mergers and acquisitions. He also worked at Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin and Lazard Freres & Co., both investment banking firms, where he was involved in mergers and acquisitions and financial restructuring.
About American Apparel:
American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer of branded fashion basic apparel. As of November 30, 2008, American Apparel employed more than 10,000 people and operated more than 240 retail stores in 19 countries.
