Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe® evolves its leadership team as it continues to drive operational excellence and expansion. The company has appointed Jonathan Biggs as chief operating officer (COO) and has promoted Chris Sasser to chief financial officer (CFO) and Karen Wickliffe to general counsel (GC). Biggs joins Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Baskin-Robbins, where he served as brand head, overseeing operations across the United States. With over a decade of experience in field and global operations, he has a proven track record of driving restaurant profitability through technology and operational …
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New York City — Macy’s Inc. has promoted Barbie Cameron to chief stores officer of Macy’s, effective Feb. 16. She most recently served as the senior vice president and regional director of stores, East Region, and had been the interim chief stores officer since August. She reports to Adrian Mitchell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Macy’s, Inc. In this role, Cameron leads the store operations across Macy’s nameplate, from flagships to small format stores and its call center operations. She will spearhead initiatives to modernize Macy’s, improve …
Reynoldsburg, Ohio — Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VS&Co) has announced that its chief financial and administrative officer, Timothy (TJ) Johnson, is retiring in June 2025. Scott Sekella has been appointed chief financial officer. “We are excited to welcome Scott to VS&Co,” says Hillary Super, chief executive officer of VS&Co. “He is a transformational leader with extensive and diverse retail experience delivering results, driving operational efficiencies and executing growth strategies. He has a strong retail background and record of identifying and accelerating strategies that strengthen performance and enhance profitability which I …
Pasadena, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar®, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® and IHOP®, has announced that Tony Moralejo (pictured here) will step down as Applebee’s president, effective March 4, 2025, and will serve as an advisor to the company through June 4, 2025. John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands, will assume the role of interim president of Applebee’s while continuing in his current capacity. “Tony and I share a deep respect for the DNA of Applebee’s and we are all grateful for his …
St. Louis — Caleres, a market-leading portfolio of consumer-driven footwear brands, has hired Brian Costello to join Famous Footwear as chief merchandising officer. In this role, he will oversee all buying and merchandising for the brand’s U.S. and Canada stores and e-commerce sites. “Brian has a long track record of exceptional fashion and footwear industry leadership,” says Mike Edwards, president of Famous Footwear. “With expertise in merchandising and planning for both footwear and ready-to-wear, I’m confident he will help drive growth and achieve our ambitions at Famous Footwear.” Costello has …
Port Washington, N.Y. — WAC Group, which creates superior lighting solutions to appeal to all patrons of independent retail shops, chains and shopping centers, has named Keith Eagle as its new vice president of business development. “Keith is an outstanding addition to our dynamic sales team and will lead the development of our sales strategy, further strengthening our position in the industry,” says Becky Li, president of WAC Group. “With his extensive experience in sales leadership and a proven track record of success, we are confident he will be a …
Exton, Pa. — Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, an innovative craft brewery, has appointed Mark Kirke as its new chief executive officer. With nearly 30 years of experience in restaurant leadership, Kirke brings a wealth of knowledge to propel Iron Hill into the next chapter. As CEO, Kirke will leverage his extensive experience across full-service multi-unit operations and brand building to drive Iron Hill’s continued growth and operational excellence. With a proven track record of prioritizing guest experiences, Kirke’s leadership will refine Iron Hill’s hospitality-centered approach. Kirke will also guide …
Atlanta — Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, has appointed Bradley Paulsen as president, effective April 28, 2025, reporting to CEO Tom Taylor. Paulsen currently serves as CEO, North America, for Rentokil Initial plc, a global leader in pest control and hygiene and wellbeing services, and previously held leadership positions at Rexel USA, HD Supply and The Home Depot. “We are thrilled to welcome Brad to the team to help lead the next stage of Floor & Decor’s growth,” says Taylor. “He is …
Seattle — REI Co-op’s president and CEO, Eric Artz, will retire in March as part of a planned succession, marking a new chapter in the co-op’s 87-year history. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI board director and seasoned retail leader, will join REI as president on Feb. 3, 2025, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31. Laughton has held leadership roles at Nike, Athleta and Sephora. Her experience and personal passion balance strategic vision for the future of retail, innovation and operational rigor, love for the outdoors and appreciation …
Greensboro, N.C. — The board of directors of The Fresh Market, Inc. has appointed Brian Johnson as president and chief executive officer (CEO) effective Feb. 3, 2025, replacing Jason Potter, who has decided to pursue a new opportunity. Johnson has served as chief operating officer (COO) at The Fresh Market since 2020 and brings more than 30 years of experience to the role. In the last 5 years, Johnson has helped oversee the expansion of TFM stores into new markets across the East Coast and Midwestern United States. Previously, Johnson …