Sep 4, 2011 12:00 PM PDT    Text size: 

AUBURN, Wash. — Peekay announced it has named Vince Woolgar as chief executive officer.

"I am extremely excited to be a part of the Peekay family," Woolgar said. "To be a part of an organization that provides an exciting environment to allow individuals to explore their human sexuality and acknowledges the freedom to do so is inspiring. I look forward to working with the entire Peekay team and being a part of the continued success that is on the horizon."

Woolgar brings 20 years of executive leadership, operations and change management expertise. He most recently served as the senior vice president of operations for Frederick's of Hollywood.

Previously, he served in leadership and management roles for Art Wholesalers, Dormont Manufacturing Company and Gander Mountain.

"We searched nationwide and interviewed well over 20 candidates, and were impressed by many,” Peekay founder and COB Phyllis Heppenstall said. “Our quest was to get the best. We are fortunate to have Vince join the Peekay team. Expansion and acquisition plans will move forward at an accelerated pace with the dynamic leadership team we now have.

"We also are very fortunate to have Phy Abramson continue as part of our executive team," Heppenstall said. "Phy has served Peekay for the past eight-plus years as both our chief operations officer and chief financial officer. She will remain a key part of this new team as a mentor, advisor and chief financial officer."

According to Peekay, it has spent the past year building its leadership team and is poised for growth. In addition to Woolgar, Peekay added several new department heads to its organization.

In October 2010, Jeremy Owen, the former director of merchandising with the Seattle Sonics, joined the company as director of merchandising and inventory.

Martin Walker, a former vice president with Tully's Coffee, was added in January as director of marketing and visual merchandising. And in February, David Leigh, a former vice president with The Shane Company, was promoted to director of retail sales.