FUND NEWS
Michael Buckley and Tengram Capital Partners Join Robert Graham® to Drive Brand's Expansion
New York City, NY - June 13, 2011 – Robert Graham Holdings, LLC, announced today that Michael Buckley has been named its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In addition, Tengram Capital Partners, LLC, the successor fund to Windsong Brands, LLC, is making a significant financial investment into Robert Graham to provide capital for growth.
Mr. Buckley will be overseeing the expansion and development of Robert Graham for the future. He will be responsible for all operations and growth platforms including domestic wholesale distribution, retail stores, ecommerce, licensing and international distribution. Mr. Buckley will report to the Board of Directors of the Company.
Mr. Buckley is a leading apparel and accessories executive who brings twenty-five successful years of industry experience, both domestically and internationally to Robert Graham. Mr. Buckley most recently held the position of President at True Religion Apparel, where during his tenure sales grew from $100 million to over $300 million and was ranked the #1 most profitable US publicly traded Apparel Company in both 2008 and 2009.
Robert Stock, founder, Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Robert Graham stated, “I could not be happier to have Michael Buckley join Robert Graham as our new Chief Executive Officer. He brings years of experience in the men’s and women’s sportswear arena. The timing for Tengram Capital Partners to join us is absolutely perfect as the brand expands into additional categories and vertical retail.”
Tengram Capital Partners’ co-founder Bill Sweedler added, “Tengram is excited to work with the entire Robert Graham team in the continued development of this great American brand. Michael Buckley has a track record of success in this industry, having built premium brands like True Religion, Ben Sherman and Diesel. He has tremendous respect from our retail partners and understands their needs. This will be a winning formula for both Robert Graham and our retail partners.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Buckley added, “I am thrilled to join Robert Graham as its new Chief Executive Officer at this exciting time in the brand’s development. I look forward to working with Robert Stock, a leader in the American fashion industry, and the entire Robert Graham team. I am also very pleased to partner with Tengram and the Board of Directors of Robert Graham in building this product-led company.”
Mr. Buckley will work closely with both, Chuck Hellman, Chief Operating Officer, and Neal Kusnetz, President.
ABOUT ROBERT GRAHAM:
Robert Graham is ‘American eclectic.’ Since its launch in 2001, Robert Graham has created on the premise of introducing sophisticated, eclectic style to the fashion market as an American-based company with an intention of inspiring a global movement. Robert Graham creates four menswear and women’s wear collections a year—spring, pre-fall, fall and resort. The menswear collection consists of sportswear, furnishings, and outerwear. The women’s wear line consists of tops and outerwear with plans of expansion into additional categories. In the fall of 2010, Robert Graham opened its flagship store on Venice Beach’s famous Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The label also sells at luxury department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus nationwide, Bloomingdales in Dubai, and Harry Rosen throughout Canada. Robert Graham has retail presence in more than a dozen countries around the world and has showrooms located in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, London, and Dusseldorf. (www.robertgraham.us)
ABOUT TENGRAM CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC:
Tengram Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm that focuses on leading middle-market consumer companies that own strong recognizable brands. The team has a diverse background of consumer expertise that assists and guides company management to unlock the true potential of their brand. Tengram Capital Partners invest or acquire both public and private consumer companies. Tengram Capital Partners predecessor fund, Windsong Brands, LLC has Investments in Ellen Tracy, Caribbean Joe, Joe’s Jeans, Field & Stream, The Sharper Image, Carlos Falchi, Design Within Reach, and Cloudveil. (www.tengramcapital.com)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Anita Gatto
Director of Communications and Business Development
Robert Graham
212-869-8001 Ext. 228
anita@robertgraham.us