Sears Canada announced Tuesday that it had selected Carrie Kirkman as its new president and chief merchant.
With a resume boasting more than 25 years of experience in the Canadian retail industry, Sears Canada believes Kirkman is the right woman for the job.
Before accepting her new title, Kirkman held multiple leadership positions at Hudson’s Bay Company and moved on to become President of Jones Apparel Group, Canada, where she operated all marketing strategies for more than four years.
Executive Chairman Brandon G. Stranzl said he selected Kirkman for her potential to reconnect with consumers by bringing back such well-liked brands as the Wish Book, Sears’ holiday catalog.
“She has exceptional experience connecting with the Canadian consumer and an esteemed history as a key player in driving successful merchandising, marketing and business strategies for department stores and consumer brands across the country,” Stranzl said. “Our vision is to reinstate Sears Canada as an iconic lifestyle brand and in order to accomplish that, we looked for a leader with experience in apparel and department stores and also with Canadian roots—we wanted someone who could inspire trust and confidence in Canada for our iconic brand. When we met Carrie, we quickly realized that we had found a gem.”
Kirkman, who resides in Canada, commented, “Through both my personal and work experience, I have known Sears Canada as a trusted brand that made high quality merchandise, brands and service available to Main Street Canadian consumers.”
She added, “This is an incredible opportunity to work with one of our country’s best-known retailers and I look forward to working with Brandon and the executive management team to accelerate the company’s strategy, and to meeting our nearly 20,000 associates across the country.”
In addition to her successful track record in the apparel industry, Kirkman is an active member of her community. She is the vice president of the Canadian Club of Toronto and contributes to Huffington Post Canada. She is also vocal about her support for women in business and serves as Global Advisory Board Member of G(irls)20 Summit, an organization that helps girls and young women advance in the workplace and society.