By Charis Anderson
NEW BEDFORD — Anthony R. Sapienza has been named chief executive officer of JA Apparel Corp., the New York-based parent company of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing.
Sapienza has served as president and chief operating officer of the New Bedford manufacturing company for 13 years, according to a company press release.
“It’s very exciting news,” Sapienza said Monday from his New York office. “It was certainly a surprise.”
The company’s former CEO, Marty Staff, left to pursue other opportunities, according to a release, and Sapienza’s appointment to the role was effective immediately.
Sapienza will also continue in his role at Joseph Abboud Manufacturing, splitting his time between New York and New Bedford.
“I have a very strong team in the factory,” he said.
The company also announced last week that Kenton Selvey, who had been senior vice president of business development and brand strategy, will become president of the JA Brand Group and that Ross Gershkowitz, formerly the vice president of sales, is now senior vice president of tailored clothing.
Sapienza said he sees his new role at JA Apparel as a good thing for New Bedford.
“I think that I have some loyalty to New Bedford and some loyalty to the folks in the factory,” he said. “I can respond to threats to the business a whole lot more effectively.”
Sapienza, who serves as the chairman of the board of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, said he was assessing whether he can continue in his role with the Economic Development Council given his expanding role at JA Apparel.
“I certainly would like to continue,” said Sapienza, who said he would be meeting with the Economic Development Council board Thursday.
canderson@s-t.com
September 14, 2010 12:00 AM
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