Board of Directors Set for Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc.
REDMOND, Wash., May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- A board of directors has been announced
for Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc., the corporation to be established as the new
parent company of the premium retailer Eddie Bauer upon the company's emergence
from Chapter 11 reorganization. The announcement was made following the motion
identifying the board filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on May 20, 2005.
The nine-member board includes experts in management, finance, merchandising,
marketing, human resources and communications with a combined total of more
than 200 years of professional experience and more than 75 years in corporate
governance. William End, former chairman and chief executive officer of
Cornerstone Brands, Inc., will serve as chairman of the board.
"This is a world class board with extensive global expertise in retail, as well
as corporate governance. The depth of knowledge, skill and talent amongst the
individuals in this group will be tremendous assets for Eddie Bauer Holdings,
Inc," said Fabian Mansson, president and chief executive officer for Eddie
Bauer. "Additionally, we believe the excitement and commitment of these
seasoned professionals is further testament to the strength of the Eddie Bauer
business and brand." The Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc. board of directors includes: -- John C. Brouillard, 57, chief administrative and chief financial officer,
H.E. Butt Grocery Company, one of Texas' largest private companies and a major
food retailer in South and Central Texas. He is also a director of H.E. Butt
Grocery Company and Advance Auto Parts, Inc (NYSE:AAP).
-- William Thomas End (chairman), 57, former chairman and chief executive
officer, Cornerstone Brands, Inc., a privately held company for catalog
operators selling home and leisure goods and casual apparel. He was also
president and chief executive officer of Land's End, Inc. and is a director of
IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ:IDXX).
-- Howard Gross, 62, former chief executive officer, Hub Distributing,
Millers Outposts, Levi's Outlet Stores, divisions of American Retail Group,
Inc. He was also president and chief executive officer of Limited Stores and
Victoria's Secrets Stores and is a director of Glimcher Realty Trust.
-- Paul E. Kirincic, 54, executive vice president, human resources,
communications and corporate marketing, McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK), the
largest pharmaceuticals distributor in the United States.
-- Fabian Mansson, 40, president and chief executive officer, Eddie Bauer.
Former chief executive officer of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz AB), one of Europe's
largest and most successful fashion retail chains with more than 1000 stores
worldwide.
-- Kenneth M. Reiss, 62, former managing partner of the New York Office,
assurance and advisory practice, of Ernst & Young, LLP, one of the world's
largest accounting firms. He was the coordinating partner in charge of Staples
and Toys "R" Us engagements. He is also a director of Guitar Center, Inc
(NASDAQ:GTRC) and Wet Seal, Inc. (NASDAQ:WTSLA).
-- Laurie M. Shahon, 53, president and founder, Wilton Capital Group, a
company she founded to make private direct investments in venture capital
companies and medium sized buyouts, which focuses on retailing and consumer
products, among other industries. She is also a director of The Bombay
Company, Inc. (NYSE:BBA) and Kitty Hawk, Inc. (AMEX:KHK).
-- Edward M. Straw, 66, vice admiral, US Navy (retired) and former president,
global operations, Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL), the manufacturer and
marketer of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.
-- Stephen E. Watson, 60, former president and chief executive officer,
Gander Mountain LLC, (NASDAQ:GMTN) an outdoor retailer specializing in hunting,
fishing and camping gear. He also spent 24 years at the Target Corporation,
retiring in 1996 as president and director of the board. He is a director of
Retek, Inc., ShopKo Inc. (NYSE:SKO) and Smart & Final, Inc.
The confirmation date hearing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the plan of
reorganization proposed by Spiegel, Inc., Eddie Bauer's current parent company,
is scheduled for May 25.
Eddie Bauer offers intelligently designed, stylish clothing and accessories for
actively engaged men and women who get inspired by nature, wherever they are.
Established in 1920, Eddie Bauer operates more than 400 stores across the U.S. and Canada, and an Online store at eddiebauer.com. Eddie Bauer also distributes
more than 90 million catalogs annually and has joint venture partnerships in
Japan and Germany.
Contact: Lisa Erickson of Eddie Bauer Public Relations, +1-425-755-6159, or . DATASOURCE: Eddie Bauer CONTACT: Lisa Erickson of Eddie Bauer Public Relations, +1-425-755-6159, or Web site: http://www.eddiebauer.com/
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