PJ SOLOMON appoints Matthew Rubel as senior advisor to Global Retail Group

Investment banking advisory firm PJ SOLOMON recently announced the appointment of Matthew Rubel as a senior advisor to the firm.

He will collaborate with David Shiffman and Cathy Leonhardt, co-heads of PJ SOLOMON’s Global Retail Group, along with managing director Jeff Derman, in advising clients in the retail and consumer goods industries.

Rubel has over 35 years of experience in the consumer and multi-channel retail industry having led many successful global brands and businesses. He currently serves as executive chairman of KidKraft and an independent director at Hudson’s Bay Company and TreeHouse Foods. Most recently, he served as CEO and president of Varsity Brands.

Previously, he served as chairman, CEO and president of Collective Brands, which included Payless ShoeSource, Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds. Under his leadership, Collective Brands grew to a US$3.4 billion company in 92 countries.

“As the retail sector continues to undergo unprecedented change, we are delighted to be partnering with an industry veteran like Matt,” said Marc Cooper, CEO of PJ SOLOMON. “With his track record of growing global brands, Matt’s expertise will augment the unparalleled advisory services we have provided retail clients for nearly three decades."

Rubel will partner with Scott Moses, head of PJ SOLOMON’s Food Retail & Restaurants Group, to enhance its presence across various food retail sectors, including traditional and specialty grocery stores.

“I am thrilled to be joining PJ SOLOMON, a firm with a distinguished reputation in the retail sector. Retail success hinges on knowing and understanding the customer, particularly during this period of historic transformation that we have experienced in recent years. I look forward to drawing upon my industry knowledge to help clients achieve their corporate and financial objectives,” Rubel said.

Prior to Collective Brands, Mr. Rubel held senior roles at Cole Haan LLC, J. Crew Group, Popular Club Plan, Revlon and Murjani International., where he was in charge of the Tommy Hilfiger businesses. He also formerly served as a senior advisor to private equity firm Roark Capital Group and investment company TPG Capital.