NEW YORK, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brenda Palmer was named today to the post of vice president of licensing for Kellwood Company, according to Robert C. Skinner, Jr. Kellwood chairman, president, and chief executive officer. In this new role, Palmer will be responsible for executing strategic licensing direction for the Company's portfolio of brands. Initially, she will be partnering with Kellwood's Vince(R) brand to launch the division's licensing platform. A seasoned executive with over 30 years in the apparel and consumer goods sector, Palmer brings a wealth of licensing and brand building expertise to Kellwood. Most recently, she served as vice president of licensing and brand development at NexCen Brands, Inc. While there, she established brand development and licensing structure for all acquisitions and franchised businesses. Prior to that, she was with Jordache Enterprises as vice president of licensing, where she ascended to the post of corporate vice president licensing. She also held key posts at Hartstrings, Inc., Greg Norman, a division of Reebok International and Nautica Apparel. "We are delighted to have Brenda join our company. Her broad experience and knowledge in developing licensing opportunities will add significant value to Kellwood as we expand our presence in the industry and further establish our brands' licensing growth potential. She is a dynamic leader and I am pleased to be collaborating with her," commented Skinner. "I look forward to working with Kellwood's management team to further advance the company's growth by building key licensing alliances and partnerships," added Palmer. Palmer, based in New York, reports to Skinner. ABOUT KELLWOOD COMPANY Kellwood is a $1.5 billion leading marketer of apparel and consumer soft goods. Specializing in branded products, the Company markets to all channels of distribution with products and brands tailored to each specific channel. Kellwood is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. ("Sun Capital"), a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies. For more information, visit http://www.kellwood.com/. MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer L. Schumacher, Kellwood Company, 314-576-3393, or . DATASOURCE: Kellwood Company CONTACT: Jennifer L. Schumacher of Kellwood Company, +1-314-576-3393, Web site: http://www.kellwood.com/

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