Secaucus, N.J. — The Children’s Place, Inc., the largest pure-play children’s specialty retailer in North America with an omnichannel portfolio of brands, has appointed John Szczepanski as chief financial officer, effective March 31, 2025. He will report to Muhammad Umair, president and interim chief executive officer. As CFO, Szczepanski will oversee finance, accounting, financial planning & analysis, tax, treasury, procurement, investor relations, internal audit and real estate.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for our company as we welcome John to be our chief financial officer,” says Umair. “During this critical time in our planning and implementation of new business strategies, John brings a wealth of finance experience in retail and manufacturing that will help guide us through our company’s future development. We are delighted to have him join our team as we continue to build strong and efficient business operations and drive a financial strategy that can lay the groundwork for the company’s long term success.”
Szczepanski most recently served as CFO of Vince Holding Corp. and, prior to that position, held roles of increasing responsibility, which culminated in his appointment as chief financial officer – global supply chain, brands and the lifestyle group at Ralph Lauren Corporation.
The company also recently appointed Kristin Clifford as senior vice president, head of sourcing, effective Feb. 3, 2025, and Smeeta Khetarpaul as senior vice president, head of marketing, effective Feb. 24, 2025, each reporting to Claudia Lima-Guinehut, brand president.
Clifford rejoined The Children’s Place from Vineyard Vines, where she most recently served as its senior vice president of sourcing.
Khetarpaul joined the company from Crocs Inc., where she served as a vice president of marketing, leading marketing for North America and Brazil.
The Children’s Place’s global retail and wholesale network includes two digital storefronts, more than 500 stores in North America, wholesale marketplaces and distribution in 15 countries through six international franchise partners. For more information, visit www.childrensplace.com and www.gymboree.com.
SOURCE: The Children’s Place