CRANSTON, R.I., Sept. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This year continues to be another formidable year for ALEX AND ANI, and as the brand evolves, the company has recently made significant changes to better position itself for growth on a global scale.
ALEX AND ANI became vertically integrated with the acquisition of a manufacturing facility in Cranston early in 2016, and this fall, the historic launch of the Liberty Copper collection has made ALEX AND ANI the first and only company to take a National Treasure, the Statue of Liberty, and create pieces of living history for the world. In addition, the brand's global impact continues to expand through conventional and digital channels as well as its philanthropic endeavors. Innovations that make the designs even more unique like "life blueprinting" have given customers the power to create custom jewelry mixes to wear based upon their own personal life meanings. And through the CHARITY BY DESIGN division, ALEX AND ANI partners with non-profits worldwide to elevate their missions and create positive change. The brand has recently joined forces with Global Citizen to address global issues, end extreme poverty, and mobilize today's youth to connect, take action, and realize their power to change the world.
ALEX AND ANI also welcomed Bob Woodruff as Chief Financial Officer and Vince Montemarano as Senior Vice President of International Sales and Retail. Mr. Woodruff will lead the financial systems and fiscal growth for ALEX AND ANI on a worldwide scale and will report to Cindy DiPietrantonio, Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Montemarano's vast knowledge of global distribution, international sales, operations, business development and retail will be vital as ALEX AND ANI expands into more global markets and realigns it retail footprint to support its digital growth. Mr. Montemarano will report to Suzanne Turcotte, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel.
Mr. Woodruff joins ALEX AND ANI with more than 35 years of Finance experience, spending nearly 20 years at Nike in senior Executive Finance positions. Most recently, Mr. Woodruff served as VP and CFO of Converse, Inc., a globally recognized footwear and apparel brand with a $3 Billion global footprint within the Nike portfolio. During that time, Mr. Woodruff was responsible for conversion of international licensed markets to owned subsidiaries, profitably expanding the direct-to-consumer business (both retail and e-commerce channels), oversight of the global implementation of SAP, and building and mentoring a world class global finance team of 160 employees. Prior to that, he served as VP and CFO, Affiliate Brands, responsible for both operational and strategic financial oversight for all of Nike's affiliate brands.
Mr. Montemarano joined the ALEX AND ANI team in early July of this year and is a retail executive with 25 years of experience in all channels of global distribution. He most recently held the position of Executive Vice President of International for James Perse in Los Angeles, a global apparel and footwear brand, which also includes home and sports products. At James Perse, Vince managed global retail, wholesale and outlet distribution in Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia, negotiated new partnerships in South East Asia, China, Korea and the Middle East, and lead cross-functional teams in Business Development, Finance, Planning, Merchandising, Marketing, Visual, Logistics and Store Operations. Prior to James Perse, Mr. Montemarano served as Senior Vice President of International Sales, Operations and Business Development for C. Wonder, Burch Creative Capital in New York, where he created the International Division from start-up to operational in a period of 12 months, launched the brand in the Middle East, and developed global marketing plans to ensure the protection of the brand image.
Both Woodruff and Montemarano will operate out of the company's global headquarters in Cranston, Rhode Island.
About ALEX AND ANI
ALEX AND ANI creates meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories to positively empower and connect humanity. Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer designs each piece. Carolyn believes that every individual has his or her own positive energy to share with the world. By incorporating powerful symbolism and personal meaning into each product, ALEX AND ANI provides a vehicle for consumers to express their individuality. The company is passionate about the wellbeing of our planet, our communities, and our individual paths. ALEX AND ANI uses recycled materials with eco-conscious processes. Its CHARITY BY DESIGN division has strengthened non-profit organizations through innovative partnerships and collaborative experiences, resulting in donations of more than $35 million. An Inc. 500 Company, ALEX AND ANI has retail stores as well as retail partners worldwide. ALEX AND ANI products are proudly designed and crafted in America with love. The company's World Headquarters is located in the greater Providence, Rhode Island area. Please visit alexandani.com for more information.
SOURCE ALEX AND ANI
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