The hedge fund is publicly disclosing its nominees, which include Welling and the former CEOs of David's Bridal, Kellwood, and Bath & Body Works, following "the failure of weeks of private outreach to the board to arrive at a negotiated settlement." "We have been, and continue to be, open to engaging in discussions with the board to determine if we can reach a mutually agreeable resolution without the need for a costly and disruptive election contest," Welling said in the statement. "Unfortunately, rather than work constructively with us to reconstitute the board with our highly-qualified nominees, the board has instead demonstrated its readiness to spend stockholder capital on self-preservation and trying to defend its indefensible incumbent directors — directors whom lack the skills, experience, and independence necessary to drive the changes so desperately needed at Abercrombie."