Michael D Casey will retire as chairman and CEO of Carter’s following his more than 30-year career with the children’s apparel brand.

Casey joined Carter’s in 1993 as VP of finance and has been CEO since 2008. He will act as an advisor until February 28 to help support the leadership transition. 

The board has initiated a comprehensive search process for a new chief executive and has retained Egon Zehnder to assist. The search focuses exclusively on external candidates.

The company has appointed Richard Westenberger as interim CEO, in addition to his responsibilities as senior executive VP, CFO and COO. William Montgoris, lead independent director, has been appointed non-executive chairman of the board.

Casey’s retirement and the appointments of Westenberger and Montgoris are effective immediately.

“As we enter a new year, I believe it is the right time for me to retire and for the company to identify its next leader,” said Casey.

“Carter’s is in good hands and well-positioned to strengthen its leadership of the young children’s apparel market in the years ahead,” he added.

The company reaffirms its outlook for FY24 and expects to provide fourth-quarter and full-year results in February.