American Apparel announces two senior level appointments

American Apparel announced two leadership appointments. Thoryn Stephens has been named Chief Digital Officer, a newly created position, and Cynthia Erland has been named Senior Vice President of Marketing. Both Stephens and Erland will assume their roles on March 9, 2015 and will report to CEO Paula Schneider.

"I am excited to welcome Thoryn and Cynthia to the Company," said Paula Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of American Apparel, adding, "Both are innovators with deep expertise working with established brands. They will be an important addition to our experienced, creative, and passionate team."

In his newly created position as Chief Digital Officer, Thoryn Stephens will be responsible for optimizing the company's digital marketing, data analytics, and e-commerce strategies. Prior to joining the company, Stephens was Vice President of data science at Tillster. He has also built products and platforms for some of the world's largest brands, including the first optimization program for the Fox Network Group and Beachbody. Stephens is also a published scientist, and previously a molecular biologist in the biotech industry.

Cynthia Erland will oversee the company's marketing and communications programs. Erland is a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of fashion and entertainment branding experience. Most recently a Senior Marketing Executive at Perry Ellis International, C&C California, Universal Studios and E! Networks, she has built a consistent track record of driving successful brand recognition through advertising, public relations, digital media, celebrity seeding, promotions and events.