The veteran apparel executive and founder of The Phluid Project adds to Centric’s deep and experienced leadership team.

New York, NY — Centric Brands appointed Rob Smith as President of the Kids division.

Smith will report  to CEO, Jason Rabin, and join the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

In his new role, Rob will lead the Kids division across all global brands and categories, working in close collaboration with teams across the organization to drive strategic growth, deepen consumer engagement, and elevate Centric Brands’ leadership in the kids’ marketplace through continued innovation and operational excellence.

Smith joins Centric effective immediately and will work in tandem with Steve Pinkow who has served as the Group President of the Kids division for 17 years. Pinkow will become a consultant to the business at the end of the year through 2026.

“Rob is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader with a strong track record of building brands, scaling businesses, and inspiring teams,” said Jason Rabin, Chief Executive Officer, Centric Brands. “His deep industry expertise and forward-thinking approach will be invaluable as we advance our kids’ platform globally. I am extremely thankful to Steve for his friendship, dedication and the business he built over the past 17 years. He has left an indelible mark on the organization.”

Rob brings over 35 years of leadership experience in fashion, apparel, denim, and activewear across men’s, women’s, and kids’ categories. Most recently, he served as CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, a purpose-led brand at the intersection of fashion, community, and education, grounded in the values of Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Under his leadership, Phluid’s products have expanded to over 10,000 retail locations across North America.

Previously, Rob held a seat on the Board of Directors at Steve Madden and served as Chief Product Officer at Haddad Brands. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret, where he managed multi-billion-dollar businesses and earned recognition for his innovative and transformational leadership.

“I’m honored to join Centric Brands and lead the Kids division at such an exciting time for the business,” said Rob Smith. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building brands that reflect the needs and values of today’s consumers. I look forward to working with the talented teams at Centric to continue driving innovation, expanding our global reach, and creating meaningful connections with families around the world.”