Company Information

Dov Charney, American Apparel Senior Partner

A native of Montreal, senior partner Dov Charney has led the company in its "sweatshop-free" consciousness, having innovated a business model that is both progressive and profitable. Charney has been a passionate producer of T-shirts and related apparel for over 10 years, an obsession that can be traced back to his days of selling T-shirts on the streets of Montreal as a teenager. Charney also has made his mark on the industry as the pioneer of the woman's tee. A unique business leader, his extensive press coverage has included PBS, The New Yorker, Time magazine, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. He has been a key speaker at universities and intellectual conferences (such as Toronto's esteemed Idea City) and has been honored for his commendable business practices.

Charney's socially responsible initiatives have included affordable health care for employees and their families, immigration support, free English and computer classes, subsidized lunches and bus passes, as well as a commitment to paying decent wages (averaging over $12.50/hour) for the company's nearly 5,000 employees worldwide. A maverick in business and marketing maven, Charney has been instrumental in propelling American Apparel's growth to the status of largest and most profitable T-shirt manufacturing company in the United States that now also includes over 150 American Apparel retail stores around the world. Charney has expanded on the company's environmental policies by launching a line of organic T-shirts, installing solar panels at the factory to be more energy efficient and added an environmental program back in 2002 that currently recycles over 4 million pounds of fiber scraps annually. Through American Apparel, Charney has proven that the industry does not need to exploit its workforce or the environment to be cost-efficient, but rather has used innovation to produce the highest-quality fashionable clothing for men, women, kids and even dogs.

Marty Bailey, Vice President of Operations

Having been at the forefront of major growth and change in the apparel industry for over 18 years, Bailey brings to American Apparel a wealth of experience, having successfully managed manufacturing services and operations for companies such as Fruit of the Loom, Alstyle Apparel, Volunteer Knit Apparel and Beltex Underwear.

Bailey has earned a reputation in the apparel industry as a T-shirt genius for his ability to implement cost-effective programs, and streamlining and organizing production growth.

Since his arrival to American Apparel in spring 2002, as one of his many new constructive programs, Bailey quickly bolstered production at American Apparel, integrating a new system and advancing apparel technology into the 21st century. Bailey's brilliant manufacturing modification has resulted in record-breaking sales and increased wages for skilled workers. As vice president of operations, Bailey is responsible for overseeing production planning, purchasing, sourcing, product development and quality-assurance departments.

Ken Cieply CA, Chief Financial Officer

Ken Cieply joined American Apparel in June 2006 and brings over 25 years of experience in multinational private and public companies. His expertise within the textile and apparel industry brings both depth and leadership to American Apparel. As a Chartered Accountant, Cieply started his professional career at KPMG in Montreal, Canada and then went on to industry and built a successful career as a CFO. Cieply managed the complex needs of high growth companies and led the successful IPO on the Canadian and US stock exchanges for Gildan Activewear. As a consultant, Cieply advised companies on strategic, financial, and management issues.

As Chief Financial Officer of American Apparel, Cieply is a key member of the executive team and has worldwide responsibility for the company's finance, administration, accounting, and risk management areas.

Ken Cieply earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Order of Chartered Accountants of Quebec.

Patricia Honda, Customer Service Manager

Pat Honda brings to American Apparel a decade of apparel industry knowledge and passion. Honda's career began at Towpin in the customer service import division. Honda's prior experience as a legal secretary groomed her with the people and diplomatic skills necessary to successfully service customer needs.

While working at Towpin, Honda discovered she enjoyed the apparel industry and the process it entailed. Towpin later restructured becoming their Global Point International division and Honda was transferred to the export division as production coordinator, where she was responsible for negotiating prices, project planning, and overseeing the manufacturing and shipping process.

Honda's introduction to American Apparel occurred during a trade show where she met a young, skinny and energetic Dov Charney, when GPI became a client of American Apparel. Honda joined American Apparel almost two years ago after Charney convinced Honda to head American Apparel's customer service department, bringing her love of apparel and people to the company and its clients. With Honda at the helm, American Apparel's customer service department practically runs itself, fulfilling orders and satisfying customers around the world.