Tapestry Inc names Anna Bakst new CEO and brand president at Kate Spade

By

Erin Floyd

Published
Mar 23, 2018

Tapestry Inc, formerly Coach Inc, announced on Friday that it has appointed Anna Bakst to the role of CEO and brand president at Kate Spade, effective March 26 2018.

The former Michael Kors executive will oversee all aspects at Kate Spade globally and will report to Tapestry Inc CEO Victor Luis.

Bakst's appointment follows a raft of senior management changes at the womenswear and accesories brand since its acquisition by Coach Inc (now Tapestry Inc) in May 2017. Former Kate Spade CEO Craig Leavitt exited the brand in August 2017, followed by creative director Deborah Lloyd in November 2017. Replacing Lloyd in the top creative spot was Nicola Glass, also previously Michael Kors, who took up the position in January 2018.

“The appointment of Anna Bakst marks another key step in the evolution of the Kate Spade brand,” said Luis. "Together with recently appointed Creative Director Nicola Glass, we now have the right senior management in place to lead the talented Kate Spade brand team and drive the business globally.”

Bakst served for 14 years at Michael Kors, from 2003 until January 2017, most recently as Group President of Accessories and Footwear. Before joining the accessible luxury brand, she held the position of President of Accessories and Footwear at Donna Karan International, where she worked for 12 years. Qualified in both design and business, Bakst obtained MBA from Stanford University and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

“Anna’s focus on product innovation – notably in the key categories of accessories and footwear – will be a key pillar of the Kate Spade growth strategy," Luis added. "Her deep experience in design, development and merchandising, and her global consumer knowledge will be invaluable assets propelling Kate Spade’s next chapter of growth.”

The New-York based group of accessible luxury brands has moved to implement a turnaround strategy at Kate Spade, hoping to replicate the success seen last quarter as improved brand exclusivity and reduced promotions boosted Coach brand sales.