Vibrant entrepreneur Michelle Cordeiro Grant relinquishes position as CEO
Lively's Founder Steps Down, New CEO Appointed
Michelle Cordeiro Grant, the founder and CEO of lingerie brand Lively, is relinquishing her CEO role effective October, according to a statement by Mitch Kauffman, CEO of Wacoal America. Cordeiro Grant will remain with the company in a foundational position until March 2023.
Kristin DiCunzolo, vice president of marketing and direct at the parent company, is taking over as CEO. DiCunzolo's tenure commenced on Monday, and she and Cordeiro Grant will collaborate until the latter fully transitions in October.
Wacoal, a leading lingerie company, purchased Lively, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) lingerie brand, in 2019 for $105 million.
While Cordeiro Grant moves into a more advisory role, DiCunzolo will take charge of the brand's continued growth. Lively has more than doubled in size and reach since it became part of Wacoal's portfolio, and the company is now entering a new growth phase with the addition of wholesale, international, and retail stores.
"Since Lively joined Wacoal in 2019, the business has dramatically expanded. With the evolution of the brand, we've entered a new phase of growth that includes wholesale, international, and additional retail stores," Kauffman said.
Kauffman praised DiCunzolo's extensive background, her strategic thinking abilities, and her strong collaboration skills.
Cordeiro Grant will continue to represent Lively in the media and remain an adviser to DiCunzolo and the Lively board. She plans to focus on two separate ventures in wellness and Web3.
In a press release, Cordeiro Grant said, "I want to move on to projects that allow me to tap into my construction, creativity, and innovation skills."
As Lively's founder, Cordeiro Grant positioned the brand as an alternative to Victoria's Secret, emphasizing comfort and individuality. Lively's mission was to inspire women to live passionately, purposefully, and confidently.
Wacoal and Lively's shared values drove the acquisition in 2019, and DiCunzolo recently expressed her commitment to preserving and expanding Lively's unique identity and customer base within Wacoal's global operations.
- The new CEO, Kristin DiCunzolo, will lead the brand Lively, a direct-to-consumer lingerie company, following the stepping down of founder Michelle Cordeiro Grant.
- Business growth is imminent for Lively, as DiCunzolo takes charge, with plans to add wholesale, international, and retail stores to the brand's portfolio.
- DiCunzolo's appointment as CEO reflects Wacoal's confidence in her leadership, strategic thinking, and collaborative skills, which are crucial for the brand's continued success.
- Entrepreneurship and innovation will continue to be at the forefront of the Lively brand, as Cordeiro Grant, though moving into an advisory role, will still contribute to the brand's media representation and future ventures in wellness and Web3.
