Ex-Competitor Joins Wickes Hosiery Unit

Kayser-Roth Hosiery, a unit of Wickes Cos., has named Walter H. Pilcher, 47, president and chief executive. He joins the Greensboro, N.C., company from Sara Lee Hosiery, a major Kayser-Roth competitor, where he was president.

The executive change comes less than a month after WCI Holdings took over Santa Monica-based Wickes. Pilcher succeeds Fred Kahn, 53, who resigned to pursue other interests.

With Pilcher’s appointment, Wickes withdrew its previously announced plans to sell Kayser-Roth, which produces socks and hosiery under the Burlington, Calvin Klein, Liz Claiborne and No nonsense labels.

“We intend to grow and improve the profitability of this business,” said Robert McKeon, one of the two new co-chairmen at Wickes. “With Walt at the helm, we are confident that he will provide the necessary management focus for greater stability and growth.”

A spokeswoman for Sara Lee Hosiery said no successor will be named for Pilcher.