Men’s Wearhouse Ouster of Founder Zimmer Seen Hurting Brand

Men’s Wearhouse Inc. has ousted its telegenic founder as the chain grapples with how to appeal to a younger generation.

George Zimmer, who started Men’s Wearhouse 40 years ago, was fired yesterday as executive chairman. The termination followed repeated clashes over strategy between Zimmer, 64, and Douglas Ewert, his hand-picked chief executive officer, according to a person familiar with the matter. The clashes centered in part on plans to sell K&G, a men’s, women’s and children’s apparel chain, and to buy back shares, said the person, who asked not to be named because the matter is private.