Hollander mgmt. shuffle continues

By Marvin Lazaro -- Home Textiles Today, 4/23/2001 12:00:00 AM

BOCA RATON, FL — Hollander Home Fashions' executive ranks have suffered another casualty as a result of the company's ongoing restructuring plan.

Bob Levitt, president, fashion division, was unexpectedly released from his position and will leave the home textiles manufacturing company, based here, on April 24. Also released due to the restructuring was the former vp, sales and marketing, juvenile division, Tom McCaffrey, who left Hollander in January 2001.

According to a statement released by Hollander, Levitt's departure is a result of "the company's recent shift in strategy in achieving both its short- and long-term goals."

"Our industry is in flux right now, and you have to be able to adapt quickly and make changes, no matter how painful they might be," said Jeff Hollander, president/coo, in the statement. "Bob has been good for Hollander. He's hard working, diligent and extremely loyal. It was a tough decision for us.

"Leo Hollander [chairman/ceo] and I wanted to try and watch a little bit more of the details and get more involved in the fashion division," Jeff Hollander later told Home Textiles Today. "We felt we wanted to cut some cost and have some additional hands-on involvement."

Levitt's replacement, Jeff Hollander added, will be named from a pool of approximately 10 people and has not yet been determined. An announcement is expected soon, however.

"I have no particular plans," Levitt said about his future. "I am looking to stay within the industry, whether its from the manufacturing, importing or retailing side of things."

Levitt originally joined Hollander in 1997 as vp, window division. Within six months he was promoted to senior vp. He was promoted again in December 2000 to president, fashion bedding.