Robert C. Skinner, Jr. has been named managing director of Smart Shirts Ltd headquartered in Hong Kong, according to Lei Xu, the chairman of Smart Shirts, a leading global original design manufacturer of apparel products. Skinner, currently chief executive officer of Smart Shirts' US-based Smart Apparel, will be relocating from New York City to Hong Kong in January 2013.
"We are very pleased to have someone with Bob's deep industry knowledge and relationships take the helm of Smart Shirts as we continue the company legacy of excellence and work to build Smart Shirts into the premier original design manufacturer in the world," said Chairman Xu.
Over his 36 years in the industry, Skinner has provided the leadership to build many successful brands and businesses by partnering with leading designers and retailers. Prior to joining Smart Apparel, he headed the former publicly held $2.5 billion Kellwood Company as chairman, president, and chief executive officer from 2006 to 2008 after joining Kellwood in 2000 as president of its menswear division.
Skinner started his career at Oxford Industries and during his 24-year tenure rose to corporate vice president and president of the Oxford Shirt Group.
Skinner will continue to oversee the Smart Apparel US division from Hong Kong and will continue to report to Chairman Xu.
Smart Shirts Ltd is a leading original design manufacturer (ODM) based in Hong Kong. The company provides a vertically integrated, complete apparel solution for its retail and wholesale brand customers in the Western Hemisphere, Asia, and Europe.
