VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canadian retailer Kit and Ace today announced that Wendy Bennison has been named President. Interim CEO Paul Wilson will resume his role as CEO of Hold It All Inc.
“We feel very fortunate to have Wendy on board,” said Wilson. “She is a proven leader with an incredible depth of knowledge in the retail marketplace – both here in Canada and internationally. We’re confident that there is no better person to helm the next phase of our growth.”
Ms. Bennison joins Kit and Ace from Roots Canada Ltd., one of Canada’s leading lifestyle brands, where she served as President and Chief Operating Officer. While at Roots, Ms. Bennison’s primary focus was the expansion of company’s category portfolio, as well as rocketing sales and profitability by growing merchandise margins and reducing overhead. Prior to her time at Roots, Ms. Bennison was a Senior Vice President at Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Canada's largest specialty apparel and footwear store network with over 400 locations and 8500 employees. Ms. Bennison spearheaded the company’s expansion into the women's category, curating merchandise assortments to resonate with the target customer.
“Kit and Ace is setting the bar for innovation and growth among global retailers,” said Ms. Bennison, “I am thrilled to be a part of the talented team and I look forward to building on the company’s success.”
Ms. Bennison has direct experience with the areas Kit and Ace is focused on developing, including ecommerce evolution, store design and people development. She will be responsible for driving the brand to the next level, building on the solid foundation and momentum achieved by the current executive team.
Recently named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, Kit and Ace has opened 50 showrooms and four pop-ups since first opening its doors in Vancouver, BC in July 2014. The company plans to open 10 more showrooms worldwide by the end of 2016.
KIT AND ACE is a Vancouver-based retailer that designs and develops technical apparel, lifestyle products and accessories for men and women living full-contact lives. Founded by Shannon and JJ Wilson, Kit and Ace first opened its doors in July 2014. Today the company has an established online presence and nearly 60 locations across North America, Australia, the United Kingdom and Japan. Learn more at www.kitandace.com and check out the Brief, or follow @kitandace.
