Kellwood Solidifies Briggs New York Management Team to Position Division for Future Growth

NEW YORK, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kellwood announced two executive appointments today which will solidify its Briggs New York division management team and position the company to capitalize on future growth opportunities, according to Robert C. Skinner, Jr., Kellwood chairman, president and chief executive officer. Rick Klimberg has been named chief executive officer for Briggs New York, succeeding Richard Rosenberg, formerly CEO of the division, and John Windham will assume the role of president and chief operating officer.

Founded in the late 1960's, Briggs New York grew quickly by creating replenishment programs for pants and skirts. The company's strength in replenishment initiatives is unmatched today by any other middle market apparel brand. The company was acquired by Kellwood in 2003.

Skinner commented, "Richard Rosenberg has done a remarkable job in building the division into a far reaching, multi-channel national business. We are most appreciative of his robust management skills and creative leadership, culminating in the development of a primary brand for major department stores. Richard and I have been discussing his desire to step away from his role at Briggs at the conclusion of his employment contract with Kellwood. While disappointed by Richard's decision, I also respect his desire to pursue other activities. We wish Richard all the best in his future endeavors; I know he will be missed by all."

Klimberg's career in the apparel industry spans over 30 years. He joined Kellwood in February 2006 as vice president of new markets. Prior to Kellwood, he was vice president, divisional manager, for Land N Sea Inc. Klimberg has an extensive background in developing women's sportswear programs and product category expansions. Before Land N Sea, he was the principal for Allison Place Shirt Corporation.

Windham, a 25-year veteran of the apparel industry, most recently was executive vice president operations for Kellwood's Calvin Klein division. He joined Kellwood in 1999 as vice president strategic sourcing of Kellwood Global division, formerly Kellwood Operating Services division. Over the years, Windham has held various positions with U.S.Colors, Bee Jay Apparel, Winer Industries, Leslie Fay and a division of Oxford Industries, where he was responsible for all facets of domestic and international manufacturing and production.

"I am pleased to announce the appointments of Rick and John. We are fortunate to have two individuals with such extensive background and capabilities join the Briggs team. They both bring the right mix of product expertise and market strategy experience to leverage our current retail opportunities and grow Briggs to the next level," stated Skinner.

Klimberg reports to Skinner, and Windham to Klimberg. Both Windham and Klimberg will spend their time between the Brighton, MA operations headquarters and the New York City showroom.

Kellwood is a marketer of apparel and consumer soft goods with sales in excess of $1.9 billion. Kellwood specializes in branded as well as private label products, and markets to all channels of distribution with product specific to a particular channel. For more information, visit http://www.kellwood.com/ .