True Religion appoints new CEO

Denim and lifestyle company True Religion Apparel has appointed David Conn as its new Chief Executive Officer, along with a new leadership team, after being acquired by TowerBrook Capital Partners. The deal, which was first revealed in May,

was confirmed at True Religion’s shareholder meeting on July 29, where they approved the 824 million US dollar acquisition from London and New York-based investment firm TowerBrook, which focuses on making investments in European and North American companies.

Based in Southern California, True Religion was founded as a blue-jeans company in 2002 by Jeff Lubell and his now ex-wife, Kym Lubell Gold. In March, Lubell left the company as its Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director before the acquisition and became chairman emeritus and creative consultant.

True Religion announces new leadership team

To help build upon the success of the True Religion brand, the denim label along with new owners TowerBrook Capital have brought in a new management team, to be led by Conn to accelerate the company’s next phase of growth.

Andrew Rolfe, Chairman of the board of True Religion and managing director of TowerBrook, said: “I am pleased to welcome David as the new Chief Executive Officer of True Religion. I am excited by the expertise that he, together with Lynne and Eric, bring to the company. The team we’ve brought together, led by David’s strong leadership and vision, will enable True Religion to accelerate its growth and realize its potential, both in the U.S. and internationally.”  

Conn joins from VF Corporation, an apparel company known for brands such as Lee, Wrangler and 7 For All Mankind, where he served as President of retail brands. Prior to his time at VF Corp, he was Executive Vice-President of the Iconix Brand Group, where he was a senior leader and played a key role in growing that business.

Commenting on his appointment, Conn said: “I’ve admired True Religion for a long time and I’m thrilled to join such an exceptional team. I feel fortunate to have Lynne, Eric and TowerBrook as partners as we begin this new chapter for the company. I look forward to working with them and with the talented employees of True Religion to make a great company even stronger.”

Lynne Koplin, who served as interim Chief Executive Officer, has transitioned to a new role as Chief Merchandising Officer, while Eric Bauer, formerly an executive at the Children’s Place retail stores and Gap North America has been named as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. As part of this transition, Pete Collins, who has served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer for six years, will retire from True Religion this month.

True Religion operates 130 stores in the US as well as 33 international, as well as being found in contemporary department stores and boutiques in 50 countries on six continents.