Joe Gromek is president and chief executive of New York-based Warnaco Group, a maker of intimate apparel, sportswear and swimwear.

With Gromek at the helm, Warnaco has grown to become the largest licensee of Calvin Klein, with rights for underwear, jeans, e-commerce and accessories. Under his direction, Warnaco reached its goal of $500 million in sales for its Calvin Klein Underwear business — one year ahead of schedule — and the brand continues to be a growth driver for the once-struggling company.

Gromek graduated from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, N.J. He started his career in the training program at Lord & Taylor, and served as general manager for its New York City flagship store. Gromek moved on to executive positions at Saks Fifth Avenue, Limited Brands, Ann Taylor and Brooks Bros. — where he became president and ceo in 1996.

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In April 2003, just two months after Warnaco emerged from bankruptcy, Gromek took over as Warnaco president and ceo, beating out internal candidates for the job. By 2007, he ranked among the top 10 most richly rewarded vendor executives with a compensation package of $5.7 million.

Apparel and footwear manufacturer Wolverine World Wide named Gromek to its board in 2008. He also serves on the board of governors for Parsons The New School for Design in New York City.