Grey engages former Eloquii leader as the company's Chief Operating Officer, namely Birdy Grey.
Steve Zawada, the co-founder of DTC plus-size women's fashion brand Eloquii, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DTC bridal brand Birdy Grey, according to a Wednesday press release.
Zawada's extensive background in retail leadership, particularly from his tenure at Eloquii, makes his appointment significant. At Eloquii, he held senior leadership positions during a period of evolution and growth, demonstrating expertise in scaling retail operations, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing customer experience in a competitive market segment.
Beyond Eloquii, Zawada brings comprehensive experience in operational leadership, strategic planning, and execution within retail environments. His career has been marked by driving operational improvements, managing rapid growth phases, and executing strategies that balance brand identity with commercial scalability.
The appointment of Zawada as COO suggests that Birdy Grey, known primarily as a bridal party dress company focused on affordable, stylish options, is preparing for a scale-up. This move could indicate upcoming product line expansions or broader market initiatives, as Birdy Grey aims to enhance supply chain robustness, improve customer engagement, and streamline operations.
Zawada’s background aligns well with Birdy Grey’s goals of becoming a more significant force in the bridal and fashion retail industry. Given his success in managing Eloquii’s operational challenges and growth, he is well-positioned to lead Birdy Grey through similar growth phases, managing complexities of inventory, returns, and omnichannel retailing.
The appointment of Zawada also signals to investors and stakeholders that Birdy Grey is focusing on operational excellence and scaling efficiently. This strategic move could position Birdy Grey for long-term success in the competitive fashion and bridal industries.
In recent years, Eloquii has experimented in the bridal category. Last September, Eloquii unveiled its bridal line with gowns, slip dresses, and jumpsuits. Walmart, too, has reportedly experimented in the bridal category.
Birdy Grey's C-suite leadership is expanding with the addition of Zawada as COO. Monica Ashauer, co-founder of Birdy Grey, continues to serve as co-founder and president.
Other DTC brands are also expanding into different categories. In May 2021, Azazie introduced a shapewear collection priced between $12 and $35. Azazie recently partnered with Kendall + Kylie to create a cocktail and party dress collection.
In February 2020, Eloquii collaborated with plus-size bridal retailer Ella & Oak for bridal pop-ins in New York, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
Zawada has over two decades of retail experience, having worked at companies like The Limited and Abercrombie & Fitch before co-founding Eloquii. His expertise and leadership are expected to drive operational improvements and support Birdy Grey's ambitions for strategic growth and market expansion.
- Steve Zawada's appointment as the COO of DTC bridal brand Birdy Grey, with his extensive background in retail leadership, suggests that Birdy Grey is preparing for a scale-up, possibly expanding product lines or pursuing broader market initiatives.
- Given his success in managing Eloquii's operational challenges and growth, Zawada's background aligns well with Birdy Grey's goals of becoming a more significant force in the bridal and fashion retail industry.
- The addition of Zawada as COO to Birdy Grey's C-suite leadership and his focus on operational excellence and efficient scaling could position Birdy Grey for long-term success in the competitive fashion and bridal industries.
- Other DTC brands, like Azazie, are also expanding into different categories, such as shapewear and collaborations with fashion influencers, to diversify their product offerings and appeal to a wider audience.
- Eloquii, where Zawada co-founded, has experimented in the bridal category, unveiling its bridal line last September, and collaborated with plus-size bridal retailer Ella & Oak for pop-ins in key cities, signaling a growing interest in the bridal market amidst the fashion industry landscape, even during the pandemic.
