NYDJ Apparel LLC has named Lisa Collier as president and chief executive officer of the Vernon, Calif.-based company.
Collier, who previously served as president of Global Dockers and chief transformation officer at Levi Strauss & Co., replaces Robert C. Skinner, who resigned.
Mackey McDonald, chairman of the NYDJ board of directors and senior adviser to Crestview Partners (NYDJ’s majority owner), said Collier “has a rich knowledge of denim and retail, as well as a track record of successfully transforming organizations for growth. Moreover, Lisa has a unique blend of operational expertise coupled with strategic vision and palpable creative energy. We feel confident that her leadership and passion for building brands will help take NYDJ to new heights.”
Collier said the NYDJ brand “has carved a unique niche in the premium denim space and I see tremendous opportunity ahead. I look forward to working with the team to further tap into the consumer mindset, deliver innovative product, create financial growth, and develop NYDJ into a formidable global leader in women’s fashion.”
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In dollar volume, according to the NPD Group, NYDJ is the top denim brand at U.S. department stores. The brand targets women over 35 with its “Original Slimming Fit” design, which includes strategically located pockets and “Lift Tuck Technology.” Innovations in textile fabric has also allowed the jeans to have a better fit, and movement — which consumers have been demanding.
At Levi Strauss & Co., Collier’s role at Dockers was to set the strategic vision of the brand as well as contribute to the executive leadership team. She was named president of the brand in 2013. During her tenure, Collier helped the brand celebrate its 30th anniversary. Collier also served as the company’s chief transformation officer, which involved developing and implementing initiatives across all of the company’s brands and regions. She joined Levi Strauss & Co. in 2003 and served in a variety of roles.
Prior to Levi Strauss & Co., Collier held various positions across the industry including stints at Tarrant Apparel Group, The Limited and Hess’s Department Stores Inc.
Skinner held the ceo and president title since January 2014, which was when Crestview Partners and Maybrook Capital Partners acquired NYDJ Apparel from Falconhead Partners — along with NYDJ’s founding family. The company was founded in 2003 under the name Not Your Daughter’s Jeans. The company said the brand “transitioned its name in 2013 to NYDJ to reflect an ageless consumer mindset and facilitate product expansion beyond denim into sportswear and other fashion bottoms.”
McDonald thanked Skinner for his contributions to the business and said that “despite a difficult retail environment, [Skinner] helped position NYDJ for growth by expanding the product portfolio and NYDJ’s direct-to-consumer business.”