Coats, the world’s leading industrial thread manufacturer and a major player in the Americas textile crafts market, has roped in Frances Philip to join Coats Group plc Board as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1 October, 2016.
Fran, who has over 30 years of apparel merchandising, product innovation and branding experience, is currently a Non-Executive Director of a number of US companies, including Vera Bradley, the accessories brand; Totes Isotoner, the accessories manufacturer; Pacific Sunwear of California, the sportswear and fashion retailer; and Regent Holdings, a home décor designer and importer. She started her career as a Market Research Analyst at Star Market, the US grocery chain.
Later in her career, Fran joined LL Bean (1994) as Director of Product Development, Home Furnishings and went on to hold a number of roles including Vice President, Affiliated Brands, before becoming Chief Merchandising Officer in 2002 until she retired in 2011.
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Commenting on appointing Fran, Mike Clasper, Chairman, Coats averred, “Fran’s extensive experience in the US apparel industry and relationships with major retailers and brands will support the continued growth in our core Apparel and Footwear business. She has a proven ability of understanding customer requirements, driving innovation and commercialising products; skills which will support the delivery of our goal of becoming the leading value added partner to the apparel, footwear and accessories industries, as well as supporting new product development in our Speciality business.”
