Destination XL names Dara Pauker as chief operating officer

Destination XL Group, Inc. announced the appointment of Dara Pauker as chief operating officer on January 27, 2023.

Pauker, the company said in a release, brings over 20 years of strategy and leadership experience, with a particular emphasis on growth initiatives, and has been working with the company on a long-range strategic growth plan as a consultant since December, 2021. Reporting to Pauker will be the chief stores officer, chief merchandising officer, SVP global sourcing, and SVP technology.

“Working with Pauker on the company’s long-range business development and strategic plan, I have been consistently impressed by both her strategic acumen and her ability to collaboratively help us define growth and operational initiatives. She has proven herself to be a valuable contributor to the team, and I am very pleased that she has agreed to join DXL Big + Tall,” said Harvey Kanter, the company’s president and CEO.

Prior to joining DXL, the company added, Pauker operated her own consultancy, through which she has held many interim GM roles and advised public and private retail companies and investors in retail on a broad array of topics related to defining and executing growth strategy.

Prior to launching her consultancy, Pauker held a number of senior roles in strategy and general management including president and general manager of ghd, North America and as CEO, North America, for Custo Barcelona. Pauker also held executive roles at Liz Claiborne, Inc. and The Jones Group. She began her career at Bain & Company.

“My entire career has been dedicated to growing businesses. I am committed to helping make our growth initiatives a reality as we solidify DXL Big + Tall’s position as the haven for men’s big and tall apparel and footwear,” added Pauker.

Pauker has a Masters of business administration, strategic management and marketing, from the Wharton School and an A.B. magna cum laude from Harvard University. She also currently serves as a Success Coach in Columbia Business School’s chief marketing officer certificate program.