Pacsun Names New Co-CEO as Former Exec Joins Fear of God
Pacsun has named president and board member Brie Olson as its new co-CEO, serving alongside co-CEO Mike Relich, effective March 9.
Olson replaces former co-CEO Alfred Chang, who is leaving the Gen Z-preferred fashion retailer after 17 years to join Fear of God as its CEO. He will remain on the Pacsun board.
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“Culture is dynamic, and so Pacsun must be as well — and that is what I love most about being part of this organization,” Olson said. “I am honored to take on this new role and excited to continue working with Mike and the rest of the fantastic Pacsun team as we make big, bold swings.”
Pacsun
With her appointment, Olson joins a growing roster of female CEOs across retail. As of Jan. 1, more than 10% of CEOs leading Fortune 500 Companies were women for the first time since the Fortune 500 list began 68 years ago. As of the summer of 2022, that percentage was closer to 8.8%. Amid a general shakeup across retail, CEO shifts have opened the door for new leaders — often women — to come into the top position, which has been the case at Under Armour, Foot Locker and now Pacsun.
Olson joined Pacsun in 2006 as senior design director for women’s. Throughout her 17-year tenure, she has served has chief brand officer, chief merchandising officer and SVP of merchandising and design. She was named president in 2021.
Chang joins the helm of Fear of God, an American fashion label founded by Jerry Lorenzo, at a time of evolution for the brand. After entering into a longterm partnership with Adidas’ basketball division in December 2020 to create Fear of God Athletics, the brand said last month that the partnership will mainly focus on the creation of this new line as opposed to other Adidas basketball product.
Fear of God has collaborated with Pacsun in the past for several projects, including launching a more affordable line of clothing across retailers including Pacsun. Chang says he will continue to develop the relationship between both brands in his new role.
“Looking ahead, I am thrilled to join the Fear of God team, where I will have the opportunity to deepen the strong partnership between Pacsun and Fear of God that we’ve forged over the past seven years,” Chang said in a statement.
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