Kenneth Cole has some big shoes to fill; COO must help turn around ensemble of businesses; Yahoo! calls out for exec.(Kenneth Cole needs chief operating officer, Yahoo! and Fire Safety Education Fund needs chief executive officer)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Crain's New York Business, April, 2002 by Souccar, Miriam Kreinin

The open position of chief operating officer at Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. has caught the attention of the fashion world. The fast-growing, sprawling company needs a strong operating chief who can help make its trademark shoes and handbags must-haves once again. The clothing and accessories designer and retailer had a tough 2001.

Kenneth Cole's traditional customers shunned its slinky halter tops and platform sandals for apparel and shoes from more conservative brands, such as Ralph Lauren. Department stores cut or delayed their orders because of the recession. The result: four straight quarters of declining profits, which fell to $2.2 million on revenues of $100 million in the fourth quarter. To turn things around, Kenneth Cole gave his title of...

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