Blair Corp. Names Adelmo S. Lopez President and CEO
Monday, 22 January 2007
Blair Corporation, a national catalog and multichannel direct marketer of women’s and men’s apparel and home products, yesterday announced the appointment of Adelmo S. Lopez as Blair’s president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Lopez is the company’s current executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer.
In addition the Board asked retiring President and CEO John Zawacki to serve as vice chairman of the Board of Directors until April 1, 2007, Larry Pitorak, who was previously Blair’s interim chief financial officer, will once again assume that role.
Craig Johnson, chairman of Blair’s Board of Directors, said, “Al’s appointment is the logical conclusion of a process that began when he was named chief operating officer last September.”
Zawacki added, “Al’s insight into Blair’s business situation, his experience in a wide range of respected companies and his enthusiasm for Blair and its continued success will serve the Company well as it enters the next chapter in its near 100-year history.”
In announcing Zawacki’s new position as vice chairman of Blair Corporation’s Board of Directors, Chairman Craig Johnson said, “While John has announced his decision to retire from Blair and its Board, the Company can ill afford to lose his talents and expertise at this juncture. He has the business knowledge and sense of Company history which the board needs during this vital transitional period. There’s an important role for him as a resource for Al and his management team and as an active spokesman for the Board of Directors.”
Lopez has extensive experience in the apparel industry and in the international arena. In his most recent position, he served as Group General Manager, responsible for five strategic business units, at Russell Corporation, a $1.4 billion branded athletic, activewear and outdoor company. Prior to assuming that position, he was vice president, Mass Retail, at Russell.