Charlotte, N.C. — Rack Room Shoes, a leading footwear retailer, has made significant promotions within its leadership team, reflecting the company’s strategy to align its operations for continued growth.
Rack Room Shoes has realigned its merchandising and digital strategies to navigate the evolving retail landscape. The organizational changes are being implemented to drive further growth and innovation while continuing to build on the company’s legacy.
• Brian Burnett, senior vice president, general merchandise manager, has been promoted to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer (CMO). In this expanded role, he will lead the company’s product and merchandising strategies, driving innovation and ensuring alignment across vendor relations, inventory management and product sourcing.
• Molly Hartney, chief marketing officer, has been promoted to chief digital officer (CDO). This newly created role underscores Rack Room Shoes’ focus on strengthening its digital presence and optimizing its digital sales portfolio to integrate the company’s marketing functions with its digital sales and omnichannel strategies.
“These strategic leadership changes and organizational realignments are pivotal in our ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance alignment,” says Mark Lardie, president and chief executive officer of Rack Room Shoes. “Brian, with his deep understanding of consumer trends and merchandising excellence, and Molly, a creative marketing and digital innovator, are uniquely positioned to propel Rack Room Shoes forward. By optimizing our merchandising and digital strategies under their exceptional leadership, we are ensuring sustained success in a dynamic market.”
Burnett has been with Rack Room Shoes for nearly 9 years, previously serving as general merchandise manager before stepping into his current role. He has developed key merchandising initiatives, introduced exclusive brand partnerships and played a pivotal role in expanding core product categories to meet evolving customer demand.
Hartney joined the company as chief marketing officer in 2021. She has transformed marketing into a competitive differentiator and, after achieving a 40% increase in customer retention, will now spearhead Rack Room Shoes’ digital evolution. Her experience drove a 36% improvement in company productivity and positions her to lead the digital strategy and further enhance the company’s omnichannel presence.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes has been an innovator in the shoe industry for over 100 years. The retailer operates more than 520 stores nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands.
SOURCE: Rack Room Shoes