Russell Newman Announces New Additions to Executive Management Team

NEW YORK, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Newman announced today that it will add two new executives to its management team. Victoria Vandagriff, formerly of Bendon/Elle Macpherson Intimates, has been named the Executive Vice President of Sales for Russell Newman and will be charged with all strategic planning and management of RN's extensive branded and private label businesses. In addition, Paula MacDougall, who was most recently the Vice President of Merchandising for the Warnaco Group, has been named Chief Merchandising Officer. Paula will oversee design and merchandising for all RN brands and private label businesses.

"We are thrilled to add Victoria and Paula to our management team," said Eric Hamburg, Chief Executive Officer of Russell Newman. "They both bring unique expertise with their extensive backgrounds in the industry and will support Russell Newman's growth trajectory."

Victoria Vandagriff has nearly 20 years of experience in the wholesale and retail apparel business and brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the intimate apparel business through her time with the Elle Macpherson and Carole Hochman brands. Most recently, Victoria was the President for Bendon/Elle Macpherson Intimates where she led the company's North American operations and executed the brand launches of Elle Macpherson Intimates, Fayreform, Bendon Sport and Stella McCartney. Prior to this experience, Victoria was the Senior Director of Sales for the Lauren Division of Polo Ralph Lauren where she directed sales and managed the successful re-launch of the Lauren brand. In addition, Victoria's vast experience includes sales management roles at a variety of retail companies, most notably her role as the EVP of Sales for Carole Hochman Designs where she directed all Carole Hochman and Oscar de la Renta sleepwear brand objectives and strategies.

"Victoria has built significant retail relationships across all levels of distribution, and we look forward to her leadership," said Hamburg. "We are thrilled to welcome someone with Victoria's proven talent to the Russell Newman Brands team."

Paula MacDougall is a proven merchant with 30 years of experience in the retail/wholesale apparel business. Most recently she was the VP of Merchandising for the Warnaco Intimate Apparel Group and prior, Paula spent 17 years at Federated/Macy's in a variety of Intimate Apparel product development, strategy and team building roles.Paula's past experience in product development has covered foundations and all categories of Intimate Apparel. She was instrumental in the revitalization of the Warner's and Olga product lines as well as the launch of Olga's Christina line.

"Paula's unique understanding of the foundations business will help us nurture and grow our intimate brands," said Hamburg. "Again, we are thrilled to have someone with Paula's strengths and experience guiding our merchandising efforts."

About Russell Newman®

Russell Newman is one of the world's largest privately held sleepwear, loungewear, and intimate apparel companies. With a focus on brand building and acquisition as well as strategic private label development, Russell Newman designs, develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets such brands as KN Karen Neuburger®, Carol Malony®, Cypress®, Cypress Bed, Bath, and Spa, St. Eve®, St. Eve Kids™, and Laura Ashley® Sleepwear. More information about products can be found online at www.russellnewman.com

SOURCE Russell Newman