Scott Lipesky is returning to Abercrombie & Fitch as its new CFO, taking on the challenge of helping to steer the teen apparel retailer through a turbulent business environment.
Abercrombie announced on Wednesday that Lipesky would succeed Joanne Crevoiserat, who has continued to serve as CFO since she was promoted to chief operating officer on Feb. 1.
Lipesky, who most recently was finance chief of home furnishings company American Signature, previously spent nine years at Abercrombie, serving in a variety of finance positions including CFO of the Hollister surf-wear brand.
He left Hollister to take the American Signature position in October 2016.
“We are pleased to welcome Scott back to Abercrombie & Fitch,” Crevoiserat said in a news release. “Having previously spent nine successful years with us, Scott has strong relationships here and an intimate knowledge of our business and culture that will serve him and the company well, as we continue to execute aggressively against our strategic plan.”
As Reuters reports, Abercrombie defined teen apparel in the 1990s with risqué advertising and its large logo but, like other teen retailers, has struggled as customers have abandoned malls in favor of fast-fashion chains and shifted to online shopping.
In July, the company terminated talks over a potential sale. It has said it will focus on Hollister, its one bright spot of growth.
Lipesky knows Hollister well, having served as its CFO from September 2014 until his departure for American Signature. He joined Abercrombie in November 2007 as assistant treasurer after previously working at PwC, FTI Consulting, and Goodyear Tire & Rubber.
“I’m excited to return to Abercrombie & Fitch Co. at this important point in its revitalization journey,” he said. “I look forward to working with [CEO Fran Horowitz-Bonadies], Joanne and the rest of the leadership team, as the company continues on its path to delivering enhanced performance and long-term shareholder value.”
Lipesky will start his new job on Oct. 2.