Irvine’s St. John Knits International Inc. has hired Glenn McMahon, president of Dolce & Gabbana USA, as its new chief executive.
McMahon is set to start Sept. 1.
St. John has been without a permanent chief executive for the past 16 months. Longtime executive Bruce Fetter was named interim chief earlier this year.
Fetter is set to resume his prior roles of president and chief operating officer.
McMahon served as president of the Americas arm of Italy’s Dolce & Gabbana SRL since 2005.
During his tenure, McMahon oversaw Dolce & Gabbana and D & G;’s wholesale and retail business in North America, as well as Dolce & Gabbana’s business in Latin and South America.
Prior to joining Dolce & Gabbana USA, McMahon was president of Ellen Tracy Inc., executive vice president of Giorgio Armani Le Collezioni USA and vice president of Donna Karan International Inc.
“We are thrilled to have an accomplished and experienced executive like Glenn join St. John,” Chairman Jim Kelley said in a statement.
St. John, a maker of upscale knit suits known for outfitting affluent women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, has been looking for a new chief since Richard Cohen left in 2005 after unsuccessfully steering in a younger direction.
Since then, St. John has sought to win back faithful wearers.
Founder Marie Gray, the company’s former chief designer, and daughter Kelly Gray, St. John’s former creative director, are consultants.
The Grays sold a majority stake of St. John to New York’s Vestar Capital Partners in 1999.
Fetter and the Grays had sought to appeal to younger buyers as well, though they’ve taken a more conservative approach after Cohen’s more aggressive bid.
Earlier this year, St. John launched its fall collection. The Grays worked with designers to create the line,a mix of sport, collection, evening and couture clothes.
“I am honored and excited to be a part of an iconic American brand like St. John,” McMahon said. “I look forward to working with the talented executive committee, Marie and Kelly Gray and the board of directors in continuing to build the success of the business.”
