Sequential Brands appoints former VF Corp president Karen Murray as CEO

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Mar 23, 2017

Sequential Brands announced on Wednesday the appointment of Karen Murray as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Yehuda Shmidman who is stepping down from the position and the Board of Directors. The appointment is effective immediately.

 
Murray oversaw most recently served as President of VF Sportswear, where she oversaw Nautica and Kipling. She joined the company in 2007 as President of Nautica Men’s Sportswear and Nautica Jeans, and she was named President in 2008.
 
Prior to joining VF Sportswear, Murray worked at Liz Claiborne from 1998 to 2007 in a number of roles, including President, and she began her career at Gant where she remained for nine years.

Shmidman steps down as Sequential Brands CEO after five years with the company. During his tenure, the company acquired yoga company Gaiam for $146 million in cash, and entered agreements to expand the brand portfolio to China and Brazil. Shmidman served as COO of Iconix before joining Sequential.