Rue21
Keith McDonough was hired as Rue21’s interim CEO. He will succeed Bob Fisch and the board of directors is currently searching for a new CEO. Former vice president and general merchandise manager of Target’s women’s apparel division, Nina Barjesteh, was tapped as the company’s new chief merchandising officer. Elizabeth Hodges was named chief customer officer.
Brioni
Justin O’Shea, creative director of Brioni since March, has left the company. He was responsible for the brand’s market presence and collections. Brioni has not yet announced his replacement.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren promoted David Lauren to the position of vice chairman and chief innovation officer. In his new role, Lauren will manage the brand’s multi-channel presence. He previously served as the executive vice president of global advertising, marketing and communications since 2013.
Adidas
Kasper Rorsted was appointed as Adidas’ new CEO, succeeding Herbert Hainer. Rorsted joins Adidas from Henkel AG, where he fostered the company’s financial prosperity after the global recession. In his new role, Rorsted will be responsible for driving Adidas’ rebranding and market approach among other athleisure market players.
VF Corp.
VF Corp. named Steve Rendle as its new CEO, effective Jan. 1. In his new position, Rendle will manage VF’s strategic direction, long-term growth plan and global operations. He will succeed Eric Wiseman, who will remain on the board of directors as executive chairman.
American Eagle
American Eagle hired Ralph Lauren veteran Bob Madore as its new EVP and chief financial officer. Madore joins American Eagle from Ralph Lauren, where he held the same title. In his new role, Madore will manage all of American Eagle’s finances and investor relations.
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Tory Burch
John Mehas has been tapped to be Tory Burch’s new president. Mehas joins Tory Burch from Ralph Lauren, where he was CEO and president of Club Monaco for many years. He will succeed Brigitte Kleine, who resigned from her position in September.
Harmont & Blaine
Harmont & Blaine appointed Paolo Montefusco as its new CEO. He will replace Giulio Guasco who is leaving to pursue new professional endeavors.
Ascena
Ascena Retail Group is shifting its staff around. Justice CEO and President Brian Lynch will become Ascena’s new CEO and Justice head of merchandise Lece Lohr will take over the company’s new kids’ division. Gary Muto, president and CEO of Ann Taylor, Loft and Lou & Grey, will continue to lead these brands, which now fall under the premium umbrella, while Linda Heasley, most recently president and CEO of Lane Bryant, has been appointed president and CEO of the company’s plus fashion segment, which also includes Catherines. In addition, Maurices is now part of the value fashion segment and President and CEO George Goldfarb will continue to lead it, along with Dressbarn.
Chico’s
Diane Ellis was named as Chico’s new president, effective Nov.1. In her new position, Ellis will manage all business operations of the company. She joins Chico’s from The Limited, where she served as the brand’s CEO since 2013. Her resume includes stints at Brooks Brothers and Lighthouse Retail Group.