TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug 14, 2014) - Danier Leather Inc. (TSX:DL) ("Danier" or the "Company") announced today that Mr. Thomas Haig has been appointed for a fixed term as interim Chief Operating Officer of the Company effective immediately. Mr. Haig will report to Mr. Jeffrey Wortsman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Danier, and work closely with him over the coming months to accelerate and improve execution of the Company's previously-stated strategic plan. Mr. Haig will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, a position he has held since August 2013, but has relinquished his roles on the Company's Audit Committee and its Governance, Compensation, Human Resources and Nominating Committee.

"We welcome Thomas to this new role with our Company," said Jeffrey Wortsman. "Not only does he bring proven experience in international and Canadian retail fashion, but also a personal knowledge of our business, current initiatives and strategic plan, having served as a director of the Board for the past year."

"I am pleased to be taking on this important role with Danier at this crucial time," said Thomas Haig. "Since I joined the Board last year I have been able to witness firsthand the Company's tremendous potential. I look forward to working with Jeffrey and the management team to continue to implement the key elements of our strategic plan and improve the Company's operational and financial performance."

Mr. Haig has been a senior executive in the retail industry for over 25 years and has extensive international and Canadian experience in fashion, merchandising and marketing, including expertise in retail store operations, real estate and asset optimization. Mr. Haig will use his skills and extensive retail and business experience to assist in improving the execution of Danier's strategic plan. This includes the implementation of enhanced processes and procedures in merchandise and assortment planning and allocation, marketing, store operations and ongoing integration initiatives, in an effort to improve results.

Mr. Haig previously held the position of President, Fashion and Footwear of M.H. Alshaya Group, a leading retail franchise operator of more than 70 international brands and 1,000 fashion retail stores, including some of the world's best known brands. M.H. Alshaya Group operates in 19 countries across the Middle East, Russia, Turkey and Europe, where Mr. Haig oversaw global brands such as American Eagle Outfitters, Top Shop, Express, Harvey Nichols, Miss Selfridge and Debenhams. Prior to that, he held increasingly senior positions with The Hudson's Bay Company and Zellers Inc., including serving as President, Stores & Specialty Division of HBC from 2005 to 2006 and President and Chief Operating Officer of Zellers from 1999 to 2005. Previously, Mr. Haig held various executive management positions at Kmart, Woodward and Eaton's.

About Danier

Danier Leather Inc. is a leading integrated designer, manufacturer, distributor and retailer of high-quality fashion-oriented leather apparel and accessories. The Company's merchandise is marketed exclusively under the well-known Danier brand name and is available at its 90 shopping mall, street-front and outlet stores as well as the online store at danier.com. Corporations and other organizations can obtain Danier products for use as incentives and premiums for employees, suppliers and customers through Canada Sportswear Corp. For more information about the Company and our products, visit www.danier.com.