Wacoal America appoints James Wheatley as chief executive officer
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US intimate apparel brand Wacoal America has announced the immediate retirement of chief executive officer Mitchell Kauffman. James Wheatley, who has served as president of the US-based company for the past year, has been appointed to the dual role of president and CEO.
Kauffman concludes a distinguished 40-year career in the intimate apparel sector, including six years at the helm of Wacoal America. He joined the company in 2016, overseeing a period of sustained brand loyalty centered on fit and quality. The executive will remain with the organization as an advisor to support the leadership transition and upcoming strategic initiatives.
“During my 40 years in the intimate apparel industry, I had the opportunity to watch the birth and growth of Wacoal in the US from the outside,” Kauffman stated. He noted that the company, founded in Japan in 1947, operates on a culture of mutual trust. “I leave with tremendous confidence, knowing that Wacoal's future is in the hands of an extraordinary management team and a new leader in James Wheatley.”
Background of new leadership
Wheatley brings nearly four decades of retail and intimate apparel experience to the position of CEO. A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in business management, he spent 13 years at US retailer JCPenney before transitioning into the intimate apparel industry 26 years ago.
His professional history includes leadership roles at Vanity Fair and Maidenform. Prior to his appointment as president a year ago, Wheatley served as vice president of sales at Wacoal America for six years.
“We are entering a moment of real change in retail and our industry, and I see it as an opportunity to lead,” Wheatley said. He emphasized his commitment to the established corporate culture while pushing the brand forward to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Strategic evolution and retail expansion
The leadership change arrives as Wacoal America accelerates its growth strategy. The company recently completed the acquisition of Glamorise, a move designed to broaden its portfolio and market reach within the category.
Furthermore, the company is expanding its brick and mortar footprint with new retail locations in Columbus, Ohio, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Additional openings are planned as the brand seeks to enhance its physical presence alongside a digital transformation.
The company is also launching a redesigned e-commerce platform. This digital evolution aims to deepen fit education and provide inclusive access to products across various life stages, reinforcing the brand as a primary fit authority for women.