Javan Bunch — formerly EVP of global merchandising and domestic wholesale for footwear, handbags and accessories at Tory Burch LLC — has been appointed CEO at Donald J Pliner, owned by Castanea Partners. Noel Hord, who had been heading Pliner, will become a non-executive director on the board.
“Javan brings a wealth of strategic and organizational leadership capabilities, having spent many years as an experienced and highly successful merchandiser and brand builder in the luxury footwear sector. We look forward to working closely with Javan as he leads the company through its next stage of development,” said Brian Knez, managing partner of Castanea.
In addition to Tory Burch, Bunch has worked at the Camuto Group, Isabella Fiore and Joan & David.
The executive move comes about a year after company founder and namesake Donald Pliner left the company, four years after he sold it to Castanea. He is said to be working on a new shoe project that will launch shortly.
