Carter’s names new CEO to lead growth strategy

Published 26/03/2025, 13:06

ATLANTA - Carter’s Inc. (NYSE: CRI), a prominent North American company specializing in children’s apparel, announced the appointment of Douglas C. Palladini as the new Chief Executive Officer and President, effective April 3, 2025. Palladini will also join the company’s Board of Directors. The announcement comes as Carter’s, currently trading near its 52-week low at $41.71, maintains a solid financial health score according to InvestingPro analysis.

With over 30 years of leadership experience, Palladini’s career is marked by a successful tenure as the Global Brand President at Vans, a division of V.F. Corporation. During his time at Vans, he was instrumental in doubling the brand’s global revenue to more than $4.2 billion in under six years, while also increasing profitability and brand equity. His strategy involved expanding the product assortment in over 100 countries and strengthening direct-to-consumer and eCommerce sales. This appointment is particularly significant as Carter’s stock has experienced a 35% decline over the past six months, though analysis suggests the stock may be undervalued.

William J. Montgoris, the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board at Carter’s, expressed confidence in Palladini’s ability to lead the company, citing his track record in brand growth and consumer-driven strategies. Palladini’s expertise is expected to enhance Carter’s direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses, drive consumer loyalty, and extend the company’s international reach.

Palladini shared his enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing his commitment to advancing Carter’s retail and wholesale operations, building brand equity, and fostering customer connections through relevant products and storytelling.

Prior to his role at Vans, Palladini founded Kickstand, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in brand strategy and executive coaching. His extensive background also includes leadership roles across marketing and publishing sectors.

Carter’s, known for its Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh brands, operates over 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and supplies apparel to major North American retailers. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and Douglas C. Palladini will be relocating to Atlanta from California to assume his new position.

This leadership transition comes as Carter’s continues to focus on innovation, customer engagement, and maintaining its reputation for quality, value, and style in children’s apparel. The information is based on a press release statement from Carter’s, Inc.

In other recent news, Carter’s Inc. reported its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, surpassing analyst expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.39, compared to a forecast of $1.88. Revenue also exceeded projections, reaching $860 million against an expected $833.38 million. Despite these positive results, the company’s stock experienced a decline following the earnings announcement. Carter’s full-year net sales decreased by 3% to $2.8 billion, with operating income also down by 13% to $287 million. The company has set its 2025 net sales guidance between $2.78 billion and $2.855 billion, indicating a cautious outlook with expected declines in U.S. retail sales. Citi analysts recently adjusted Carter’s stock price target to $45 from $50, maintaining a Neutral rating, citing concerns over weak fiscal year 2025 guidance and ongoing challenges in the U.S. direct-to-consumer business. Additionally, the search for a new CEO adds to the uncertainty surrounding the company’s future direction.

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