Catalyst Brands Appoints Michael Fernandez as New Chief Wholesale Officer

Catalyst Brands Appoints Michael Fernandez as New Chief Wholesale Officer

Catalyst Brands, the retail conglomerate formed by the merger of J.C. Penney and Sparc Group, has appointed Michael Fernandez as its new chief wholesale and business development officer. Fernandez, who brings over two decades of retail experience, will report directly to CEO Marc Rosen and oversee wholesale operations, business-to-business, licensing, and business development efforts across the brand portfolio.

Fernandez's appointment comes as Catalyst Brands aims to bolster its retail and wholesale presence. The company, which houses brands like J.C. Penney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, and Lucky Brand, has been streamlining its operations following the merger. In April 2023, it cut about 9% of its corporate roles, following a previous reduction of around 250 people in February 2023.

Fernandez joins Catalyst Brands from The Levy Group Inc., where he served as chief commercial officer and chief merchandising officer. His extensive retail experience will be crucial in driving the company's wholesale and business development efforts. Prior to his role at The Levy Group, there are no specific search results identifying which companies Fernandez led.

With Fernandez's appointment, Catalyst Brands signals its commitment to growing its wholesale presence and business development efforts. The company's brand portfolio, despite the sale of Reebok to Galaxy Universal, remains robust, with labels like J.C. Penney, Aéropostale, and Brooks Brothers. Meanwhile, Authentic Brands Group has found new operators for Forever 21, which will now operate only online and via wholesale following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2023.

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