Warrendale, PA — rue21, inc., a leading specialty apparel retailer, has appointed Harlan M. Kent of Yankee Candle Company to its board of directors.
Warrendale, PA — rue21, inc., a leading specialty apparel retailer, has appointed Harlan M. Kent to join the company’s board of directors and will serve on its compensation committee. Kent is the current president and chief executive officer of Yankee Candle Company. Kent has over 25 years experience in consumer products and retail strategy, marketing and brand development.
“I am delighted to welcome Harlan to our board. His senior leadership experience in the retail sector and expertise in brand building and strategic marketing will make Harlan a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to benefiting from his perspective and experience as we continue to pursue new opportunities to expand our business,” says Bob Fisch, CEO and chairman of the board of directors.
Kent joined Yankee Candle in 2001 as senior vice president of the wholesale division and was promoted to president of the company in 2004. He was promoted to COO in 2007 and became CEO in 2009.
rue21 currently operates 810 stores in 46 states. For more information, visit www.rue21.com.