NEW YORK, June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kellwood's Lifestyle Alliance announced today the retirement of Stephen F. Powers, chief customer officer of the division, effective July 31, 2008, according to Patrick J. Burns, group president of the Lifestyle Alliance. Powers has served as chief customer officer of the Lifestyle Alliance since November 2007. He joined Kellwood in 2005 as president and CEO of Koret, where he quickly worked to move the business from a loss position to a profitable operation. Prior to joining the Company, Powers held the post of executive vice president of women's apparel for May Merchandising Corporation. He served in various senior management positions in the women's business within the May Company family of retail divisions from 1980 to 2003. In addition, Powers garnered solid business acumen as president and chief operating officer for Gruen Watch Company from 1994-1997 and as president of Chaus Sportswear from 1992-1994." During the past four years, Steve has made many invaluable and important contributions to the growth and development of our women's mainstream business. Throughout his career with us, Steve has devoted his efforts to building a world-class company and enhancing the reach and power of our brands. Steve is a pillar of the apparel and retail industry and it has been a pleasure working with him. He will truly be missed," said Robert C. Skinner, Jr., Kellwood chairman, president and CEO. "Being at Kellwood the last four years has been great. I've enjoyed the challenge and experience of transforming our mainstream business. With that process well underway, I feel the timing is right for me to ease into retirement," added Powers. A search is underway for Powers' successor. ABOUT KELLWOOD COMPANY Kellwood is a $1.5 billion leading marketer of apparel and consumer soft goods. Specializing in branded products, the Company markets to all channels of distribution with products and brands tailored to each specific channel. Kellwood is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. ("Sun Capital"), a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies. For more information, visit http://www.kellwood.com/. MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer L. Schumacher, Kellwood Company, 314-576-3393, or . DATASOURCE: Kellwood Company CONTACT: Jennifer L. Schumacher of Kellwood Company, +1-314-576-3393, Web site: http://www.kellwood.com/

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