Destination XL appoints Harvey Kanter as the company’s new CEO

Destination XL Group, Inc. has appointed Harvey S. Kanter as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of its board. The company said, Kanter joined Destination XL as an employee on February 19, 2019, and, in order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, will serve as advisor to the acting CEO David Levin, until April 1, 2019.

Commenting on Kanter’s appointment, John Kyees, Chairman of the company’s board, said in a statement: “We also want to thank David Levin for his outstanding contributions and significant accomplishments during his 18 years as President and CEO of the company. We are very impressed with Harvey’s track record of creating shareholder value and his digital experience, as well as his strategic and operational expertise. We are confident that his consumer-focused mindset, passion for omni-channel retail and deep understanding of the new economy will successfully steer the DXL concept through its next phase of growth.”

Harvey Kanter is the new CEO of Destination XL

Kanter, the company added, brings a proven track record in leading executive teams, driving strategy, growing profitability and creating shareholder value for consumer-centric experiential brands. He was most recently president, CEO and chairman of the board of Blue Nile, Inc., an online retailer of high-quality diamonds and fine jewellery. Blue Nile was purchased and taken private by Bain Capital in early 2017 and Kanter continues to serve as Chairman of the board of Blue Nile.

Before Blue Nile, Kanter was the president and CEO of Moosejaw Mountaineering and Backcountry Travel, Inc., a multi-channel retailer of premium outdoor apparel and gear, where he drove a successful turnaround that led to the acquisition of Moosejaw by Walmart. Prior to Moosejaw, he served in executive positions at Michael’s Stores, Inc. and Eddie Bauer, Inc. Kanter currently also serves on the board of directors of Potbelly Corporation, an international sandwich concept and he is a brand ambassador for the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Institute and an advisory board member to the Seattle University Executive MBA Program.

“DXLG has a tremendous opportunity as the leader in the big & tall men’s apparel sector with a large, growing and addressable market. The company’s continued evolution across a highly effective bricks-and-mortar and digital platform enhances an already first-class retail experience for its loyal customer base. Leveraging its omni-channel and wholesale capabilities to reach a broader customer base will drive the next growth chapter,” added Kanter.

Picture:Facebook/DXL Men's Apparel