Authentic Brands Group (ABG), parent company of Neil Lane, has appointed Daniel W. Dienst as its executive vice chairman and chief strategy officer, the company announced.

Dienst (pictured) has served as the chairman and CEO of four public companies, including most recently Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which was sold in 2016. He currently serves as director of Knoll, a furniture company, and chief strategic adviser for Marie Kondo, the best-selling Japanese author. He also headed Sims Metal Management from 2008 to 2013.

In his new role, Dienst will help shape Authentic Brands Group’s long-term strategy, lead its global business development, help drive the corporate focus on media, digital strategy, and content monetization, and work on mergers and acquisitions.

Authentic Brands Group, based in New  York City, purchased a majority interest in the Neil Lane brand last year, with the aim of getting the celebrated jewelry designer involved in other categories. Neil Lane is currently its only jewelry-based brand.

Lane, a red carpet mainstay who is also known for his involvement in The Bachelor franchise, was recently profiled in the Los Angeles Times.

In addition to Lane, brands in the ABG portfolio are: Marilyn Monroe, Mini Marilyn, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Shaquille O’Neal, Julius Erving, Greg Norman, Thalia, Michael Jackson, Nautica, Aéropostale, Juicy Couture, Jones New York, Herve Leger, Judith Leiber, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Frye, Adrienne Vittadini, Taryn Rose, Misook, Hickey Freeman, Hart Schaffner Marx, Spyder, Tretorn, Tapout, Prince, Airwalk, Vision Street Wear, Above the Rim, and Hind.

In June, it purchased the Nine West and Bandolino brands, following Nine West’s Chapter 11 filing.

“Dan brings a compelling vision and powerful skill set to our team,” said Jamie Salter, founder, chairman, and CEO of ABG in a statement. “I look forward to working with him to strengthen and scale our organization.”

(Image courtesy of Authentic Brands Group)

Rob Bates

JCK News Director