Issue 3 2019

Acquisition International - Issue 3 2019 51 1810AI47 08 28 ounded by Vince Camuto (1936-2015), Camuto Group started in 2001 as a shoe design, development and distribution resource for retailers. Over the next 14 years, the company was expanded and diversified, licenses and partners were acquired, brands were introduced and the company was grown into a global business. Camuto Group now has a presence in more than 5,400 distribution points in over 70 countries and Vince Camuto’s namesake line, a brand that embodies his passion, style and design innovation, has retail concepts around the globe. Camuto Group’s business strategy is informed by the values of our founder, leader and friend, Vince Camuto and everyone at Camuto Group works to uphold the values of the American footwear legend. Vince lived with great passion, integrity and loyalty. Like him, Camuto Group commits itself to delivering the highest quality products, most consistent branding and unsurpassed value. Over a 50-year career in the footwear industry, Vince developed a unique understanding of his customers and their love of shoes. His insights helped him create an endless string of popular products as well as strong, trusted and dynamic brands. In addition to his close relationships with the consumer, Vince was revered by industry retail, license and production partners. At Camuto Group employees strive to do business with their founder’s passion, integrity and loyalty. Like him, they commit themselves to delivering the highest quality products, most consistent branding and unsurpassed value. A legend in the footwear industry, Vince Camuto is remembered first and foremost for his passion: passion for product, passion for people, passion for life. Camuto was also renowned for his formidable work ethic, innovative approach to design, and strong, time-honored relationships with colleagues and business partners. In 1978, Camuto co-founded the iconic American footwear company, Nine West. During his two-decade tenure as the company’s creative director, Camuto proved a visionary force, leading Nine West to record growth and solidifying brand identity synonymous with high style and moderate pricing. Appointed CEO in 1993 as Nine West went public, Camuto maintained hands-on management of his top-tier design teams while balancing operations of a multi-billion dollar corporation. In 1999, Nine West, then established as a multi-branded footwear powerhouse, was sold to Jones Apparel Group. In 2001, Camuto founded Camuto Group, bringing to the new enterprise his leadership, vision and industry relationships honed over three decades. Created to provide design, sourcing and Camuto Group is a family-owned footwear and lifestyle brand company. The Group consists of 22 wholesale brands and 20 sourcing brands spanning 30 categories, including footwear, sportswear, dresses, handbags, jewellery, swimwear, fragrance, kids footwear and menswear. Fashion Pioneer F Company: Camuto Group production services to over 5400 department and independent international retailers, Camuto Group expanded to include key licensing acquisitions. In 2005 Camuto launched his namesake footwear line, Vince Camuto. The following year he partnered with Tory Burch to launch her footwear collection, collaborating with Burch to create the iconic “Reva” ballet flat. In 2008, Camuto expanded the Camuto Group portfolio to include a partnership with Sanctuary Clothing and Lucky Brand Jeans. Camuto Group serves a variety of retail companies as licensor, licensee and supplier. Until the day of his death, Camuto worked personally with each and every department, inspiring morale and ensuring that his singular vision was upheld. Vice President of Camuto Group, Dara Meath, heads strategic IT planning, implementation and support worldwide and has recently been awarded the prestigious and much coveted accolade of Most Influential Woman in IT Development 2018 – USA. Prior to joining Camuto, Dara severed as the Director/Head of System Implementation at Apparel Business System. During this time, Dara lead system and business integration for new clients and company mergers and provided clear strategy solution for development, staffing and regulatory compliances. Dara has been recognized with over 10 business global awards and is actively involved with more than 15 organizations in technology and business such as Project Management Institute (PMI), Women In Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC), Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), and Vendor Compliance Federation (VCF). Dara also holds advisory roles through ExecRanks and Guidepoint.