Local designer St. John Knits hires new chief executive

Local women’s wear designer St. John Knits has found its new chief executive after a 16-month search.

It has been reported Glenn McMahon, former president of Dolce and Gabbana USA, will relocate to Southern California and assume his new position effective Sept. 1.

McMahon’s knowledge of the fashion business will be a “terrific complement to our existing team,” Chairman Jim Kelley said in a prepared statement.

“We spent a long time looking for the ideal candidate for this role.”

The chief executive spot at St. John has been an interim position since April 2006, filled first by St. John board member Philip B. Miller, and then by President and Chief Operating Officer Bruce Fetter, who will resume those roles when McMahon takes over.

St. John will celebrate its 45-year anniversary this year, and former Newport Beach resident and founder Marie Gray, along with daughter and former Chief Executive Kelly Gray, have remained an integral part of the company, which sold a majority stake to Vestar Capital Partners several years ago.

“Glenn will be a wonderful addition to our executive team and board of directors,” Marie Gray reported in Fashion Week Daily.

“He offers a unique perspective to St. John’s business; Kelly and I are excited to have him on board.”

— Sue Thoensen