Warrendale, Pa. — rue21, a leading American specialty retailer, has named Josh Burris as its chief executive officer and member of the board. Burris replaces Bill Brand, who announced in March 2023 his intention to step down as CEO.
“I’m honored to be joining rue21 as CEO,” says Burris. “As a brand, rue21 serves the most vibrant and fastest-growing segments focused on affordable fashion that’s accessible to all, making it well positioned for growth. I’ve dedicated my career to building retail brands centered around the consumer and am excited to move rue21 forward and achieve new heights.”
“We’re thrilled that Josh has agreed to join rue21 as its next CEO,” says Vuk Djunic, partner, Blue Torch Capital. “Josh has decades of experience transforming popular consumer-facing brands which makes him best equipped to lead rue21 into its next chapter.”
Burris joins rue21 from GNC, where he served as CEO for the last 2 years, leading the company’s transformational growth after a successful restructuring under new ownership. With more than 25 years of experience leading consumer-focused retail brands, his leadership and expertise has helped transform brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Calvin Klein Performance, Wilsons Leather and GH Bass & Co, among others.
rue21 is a fashion destination headquartered just north of Pittsburgh in Warrendale, Pa. rue21 currently operates over 600 U.S. stores in 45 states. For more information, visit www.rue21.com.
SOURCE: rue21