Apparel, swimwear and sportswear company The Warnaco Group, Inc. has appointed Paula Schneider as president of its Designer Swimwear division.

Ms Schneider will oversee all aspects of design, development, merchandising, marketing and sales for the Anne Cole, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nautica and Catalina brands. She succeeds Kathy Van Ness, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests, and will report directly to Roger Williams, president of the Warnaco Swimwear Group.

Ms Schneider has more than 20 years experience in the apparel industry, including global product development and brand management. Most recently, she served as president of Laundry by Shelli Segal, a division of Liz Claiborne Inc.