Remington hires vice-president

Remington has appointed Steve Markwell as its first European vice-president for marketing.

Markwell moves from a marketing position at Warnaco, a US-based clothing manufacturer.

The appointment follows a global shake-up of the company, which resulted in the departure of its executive vice-president international, Wilan van den Berg (MW last week).

Remington’s international operations were based in the UK, and headed by van den Berg. But the restructure involved splitting the international division into three units – the UK, rest of Europe and Australia, all of which will report to the US-based head office. The reorganisation left van den Berg without a clear role. His responsibilities are now understood to be split between Markwell and the UK general manager, Paul Martin.

Markwell was appointed at Warnaco in March 2000 to the newly created position of president, European unit. Warnaco makes clothing sold under various brand-names, including Calvin Klein jeans and underwear. Prior to Warnaco, Markwell worked at Bausch & Lomb as the corporate vice-president and president of European eyewear.

At Remington, he will report to chief executive and president Neil DeFeo, who is based in Connecticut. He will also be responsible for the company’s advertising, created by Grey.

The electrical appliances company is known for its Eighties TV campaign, catchline “I like it so much, I bought the company”, which featured the company chairman, Victor Kiam. Kiam, who passed away in June this year, bought the company 22 years ago.