Kirk Palmer Associates Assists Bare Necessities with President Search
March 9, 2026 – Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Salima Popatia as president of Bare Necessities, a division of Delta Galil Industries. The search was led by Dana Levine and Jennifer Riemer. “Salima is a disciplined operator who thrives in complex digital-first environments,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil. “She brings the accountability and rigorous operating mindset required to move the business forward. As Bare Necessities continues to scale, Salima’s leadership will sharpen our execution and deepen our connection with the next generation of customers.”
Ms. Popatia arrives with more than two decades of experience navigating the intersection of beauty, fashion and high-scale e-commerce. Her experience in P&L management and digital strategy will be central to Bare Necessities’ goal of elevating the customer experience while maintaining its six-decade leadership in fit expertise.
Most recently, Ms. Popatia was chief marketing and digital officer at Orveon Global, where she orchestrated consumer strategy for BareMinerals, Laura Mercier and Buxom. Her career also includes senior leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies, Stuart Weitzman and Luxottica, where she specialized in scaling global e-commerce businesses and stabilizing portfolios during periods of rapid expansion.
“In a category where loyalty lives at the intersection of fit and emotion, Bare Necessities has a unique advantage: decades of fit expertise and a deeply loyal customer base,” said Ms. Popatia. “My career has been about driving digital consumer relevancy, and I’m excited to bring that to this team as we turn our deep category roots in fit and inclusivity into more personalized, data‑driven journeys that make every customer feel seen. We are focused on delivering outcomes that matter—to our customers and to the business.”
Ms. Popatia takes the helm to oversee day-to-day operations and commercial strategy as the company intensifies its digital growth. She is based in Bare Necessities’ headquarters in Secaucus, NJ, and reports to Mr. Dabah.
Founded in 1965, Bare Necessities has become a leading online retailer of bras and intimate apparel, offering an extensive range of sizes, styles and trusted brands. The company also develops private brands through its in-house Design Lab and is a division of Delta Galil, the global designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label intimate, activewear, loungewear and denim apparel.
Since its founding in 1987, Kirk Palmer Associates has grown globally, helping retailers hire CEOs, presidents, and front-of-house executives spanning a wide array of marketing, merchandising, stores, sales, e-commerce, and digital leadership roles. Kirk Palmer Associates is made up of retail and fashion industry veterans. The firm’s partners have placed more than 1,000 CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, and other senior executives at over 200 retail and wholesale companies across all channels, sectors, and functional areas.
Ms. Levine is a partner specializing in fashion, luxury and lifestyle brands. She joined Kirk Palmer Associates in 2014 after an extensive career in merchandising, planning, digital, and stores at GAP, Ralph Lauren, and Loro Piana. Ms. Levine has partnered with clients ranging from LVMH to PetSmart and has placed CEO, C-level and senior management executives.
Related: Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits CFO for Fossil Group
Ms. Riemer began her career in search over a decade ago supporting the board practice at Spencer Stuart. She is adept at supporting complex executive search assignments for board, CEO and C-level through VP talent. Earlier in her career, Ms. Riemer was an external communications specialist at McKinsey & Company.
Chief Financial and Operating Officer Search
Kirk Palmer Associates also recently assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Stanton as chief financial and operating officer of BRUNT Workwear. “As we head into our sixth year of business, the opportunity in front of us is bigger than ever,” said Eric Girouard, founder and CEO of BRUNT. “Navigating the road ahead requires veteran leadership with a proven ability to drive scalable growth across channels, while still building a business and culture that stays true to the trades community.”
Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus on growth, while Kirk Palmer continues to guide the firm’s strategic direction and key client relationships.
“I will continue to work closely with MJ and the partners as executive chairman, acting as a strategic advisor with a special focus on client development, and continuing to play an active role in our retail and consumer-centric executive community. MJ and I share a deep passion for this industry and for executive search, as well as a foundational set of core beliefs and values. Her hire is the result of an exhaustive, multi-year search, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”
Mr. Stanton has extensive leadership experience working across private and public companies, driving financial and operational success, and enabling strategic growth. Prior to joining BRUNT, he served as chief financial officer and executive vice president at the fast-growing direct-to-consumer brand ButcherBox. Before that, Mr. Stanton was executive director of finance at athenahealth, where he played a significant role in the company’s sale to Bain Capital and Hellman & Friedman.
Launched in 2020, BRUNT Workwear is retooling the way the workwear industry works by collaborating with trade workers to develop boots and apparel that provide the best performance, durability and comfort. Backed by Stripes, the company is headquartered in North Reading, MA.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
