Children's Place names Jane Elfers as CEO

US: Children's Place names Jane Elfers as CEO

By just-style.com | 11 December 2009

After a search lasting more than two years, The Children's Place Retail Stores Inc today (11 December) finally named Jane Elfers as its new president and chief executive officer.

Elfers, who most recently served as president and CEO of Lord and Taylor, takes up the post on 4 January 2010 and will also join the company's board of directors.

"Jane is a highly talented merchant and a visionary leader," said chairman Norman Matthews.

"Her deep knowledge of merchandising and marketing, coupled with hands-on operational experience, makes her the ideal leader to take The Children's Place to the next level."

Elfers began her retail career at Macy's Inc, rising to buyer. At Lord and Taylor she rejuvenated and repositioned the brand and transformed the merchandise mix to enhance sales and profitability across the fleet.

She said: "I see the expansion of The Children's Place into new markets, particularly value centres, as a top priority for the organisation.

"Importantly, the internet also presents us with a major growth vehicle as we leverage this channel to provide a broader selection of products and services for our on-line customer and continue our efforts to enhance the current on-line experience."

Chuck Crovitz, who has served as interim CEO since September 2007 and as a company director since 2004, will remain a member of the board.

He was parachuted into place after The Children's Place sacked its former CEO Ezra Dabah after an investigation found he had violated the company's code of conduct on securities trades.

Sectors: Apparel, Retail

Companies: The Children’s Place, Macy’s