NEW YORK, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Weight
Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today announced that
Mindy Grossman has been appointed
President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 2017. Ms. Grossman will also join the Weight
Watchers Board of Directors at that time. Until Ms. Grossman's
arrival, the company will continue to be led by the members of the
Interim Office of the CEO, Nicholas
Hotchkin, Chief Financial Officer, and Thilo Semmelbauer and
Christopher Sobecki, Directors of
the company.
Ms. Grossman joins Weight Watchers from HSN, Inc. where she
served as CEO since 2008, growing the company to become a
$4 billion direct-to-consumer content
and commerce leader that today derives over half its revenues from
digital commerce. Under her leadership, she transformed the HSN
brand into a lifestyle network, launched industry-leading digital
innovations and formed unique and successful partnerships with
leading brands and personalities. She is widely recognized as an
accomplished business leader, innovator and champion for workplace
diversity and equality, having been named three times by Forbes
magazine as one of the world's 100 most powerful women, among other
awards and recognitions.
Ray Debbane, Chairman of the
Weight Watchers Board of Directors, commented, "I'm delighted that
Mindy will be joining Weight Watchers as CEO and Director. Mindy
has an incredibly successful track record of bringing bold and
transformative ideas to businesses to unlock their potential. Over
her illustrious career, she has worked with some of the biggest
brands and has consistently translated consumers' interests and
aspirations into visionary innovations. Weight Watchers has
returned to growth and Mindy is the right person to take our
business to a whole new level and empower the brand to realize its
full potential."
Ms. Grossman remarked, "I am thrilled to join Weight Watchers
and lead the next phase of the Company's transformation. This
is a tremendous opportunity to leverage technology and consumer
insights to create innovative personal experiences, build loyal
communities and accelerate growth. Ultimately, the ability to
inspire people to live healthier and happier lives is what excites
me both personally and professionally. I look forward to partnering
with the Board – including Oprah – and the team to help Weight
Watchers transform the lives of people around the world through
weight loss and healthier living."
Oprah Winfrey said, "Mindy is
proven as a successful visionary and entrepreneurial force in
business and I look forward to working with her. She has the
experience, the passion and the positive energy to take Weight
Watchers to exciting new places."
Biographical information on Mindy
Grossman
Mindy
Grossman has more than 38 years of experience in building
and transforming consumer brands. From 2008-2017, she served as
Chief Executive Officer of HSN, Inc. and a member of the company's
Board of Directors. Ms. Grossman joined IAC, HSN's former parent
company, in 2006 as CEO of IAC Retail. Earlier career highlights
include serving as Global Vice President at Nike, Inc., President
and CEO of Polo Jeans Company, Vice President of New Business
Development at Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, President of Chaps
Ralph Lauren, and Senior Vice
President of Menswear for Warnaco, Inc. She also held senior
positions at Tommy Hilfiger and Oxford Industries.
In 2014, Ms. Grossman was recognized as one of Fast Company's
Most Creative People in Business and Fortune's Business Person of
the Year. In 2013, Forbes magazine named Ms. Grossman one of the
world's 100 most powerful women, an honor she has received three
times. In 2011, she was named Corporate Innovator of the Year at
the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Florida Awards. In
both 2010 and 2011, Mindy was ranked by the Financial Times as one
of the top 50 women in world business.
Ms. Grossman serves as Chairman of the National Retail
Federation Board of Directors. She also serves as Vice
Chairman for UNICEF USA and is a
member of the Board of Directors of Bloomin' Brands. Additionally,
Ms. Grossman is a member of the U.S. Commerce Department's Digital
Economy Board of Advisors.
About Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Weight
Watchers International, Inc. is one of the most recognized and
trusted brand names among weight-conscious consumers. Weight
Watchers provides commercial weight management services through a
global network of Company-owned and franchise operations and offers
innovative, digital weight management products through its
websites, mobile sites and apps. These services and products are
built on the Company's weight management program, which helps
millions of people around the world lose weight through sensible
and sustainable food plans, activity, behavior modification and
group support. Weight Watchers has an unparalleled network of
service providers to assist members on their journey and also
offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for
those interested in weight loss and healthier living.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's
current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of
assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject
to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors.
Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements because actual results may vary
materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by
the Company pursuant to United States securities laws
contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. The Company
assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation
to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are
advised to review the Company's filings with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available from
the SEC's EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, at
various SEC reference facilities in the United
States and via the Company's website
at www.weightwatchersinternational.com).
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Investor
Inquiries:
|
Media
Inquiries:
|
Corey Kinger,
Brainerd Communicators, Inc.
|
Jenny Zimmerman,
Weight Watchers
|
212.986.6667
|
212.589.2784
|
kinger@braincomm.com
|
Jenny.Zimmerman@weightwatchers.com
|
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SOURCE Weight Watchers International, Inc.