MICHAEL KORS NAMES THOMAS EDWARDS CFO, COO

Global luxury brand Michael Kors Holdings Limited has named Thomas J. Edwards, Jr. as executive vice president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer and treasurer, effective immediately.

Edwards is succeeding Joseph B. Parsons, who is retiring after 13 years with the company. Parsons will remain with the company through August 1 in his current role.

Edwards joins the company from Brinker International, Inc., a leading casual dining restaurant company, where he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer since March 2015. Prior to that, he held numerous positions within finance at Wyndham Worldwide from 2007 to 2015, including having served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Wyndham Hotel Group from March 2013 to March 2015. Edwards has also held a number of financial and operational leadership positions in the consumer goods industry, including as vice president, consumer innovation and marketing services at Kraft Foods and vice president, finance at Nabisco Food Service Company.

“We are excited to have Tom join our organization and oversee responsibilities for global finance, operations and IT,” said John D. Idol, chairman and chief executive officer. “Tom is a veteran in the global consumer goods industry and a proven financial and operational leader. He will be instrumental to us as we continue to execute on our key growth and operational initiatives as well as drive value for our shareholders.”

“I am excited to join Michael Kors,” added Edwards. “The company has established itself as a leading global luxury fashion brand with a strong track record of producing compelling financial results. I look forward to working with John, Michael and the rest of the management team as Michael Kors continues to execute on its long-term strategic plan.”