Donald Pliner Taps Tory Burch Exec As New CEO

Donald J Pliner has a new main man.

Javan Bunch — formerly EVP of global merchandising and domestic wholesale for footwear, handbags and accessories at Tory Burch LLC — has been appointed CEO at the brand, owned by Castanea Partners. Noel Hord, who had been heading Pliner, will become a non-executive director on the board.

“Javan brings a wealth of strategic and organizational leadership capabilities, having spent many years as an experienced and highly successful merchandiser and brand builder in the luxury footwear sector,” said Brian Knez, managing partner of Castanea. “We look forward to working closely with Javan as he leads the company through its next stage of development.”

In addition to Tory Burch, Bunch has worked at the Camuto Group, Isabella Fiore and Joan & David.

The executive move comes about a year after company founder and namesake Donald Pliner left the company, four years after he sold it to Castanea. He said to be working on a new shoe project that will launch shortly.

“It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce that I have decided to leave the company I founded,” said the designer at the time. “I am proud of having built a high-quality and innovative luxury footwear brand and wish to thank my loyal customers and followers. I will continue to be a shareholder and will be fully supportive of the company and the brand as I begin this next chapter of my life.”