Chico’s FAS Inc., a clothing retailer that operates bricks-and-mortar stores, catalogs and an e-commerce site, has named David Dyer president and CEO. Dyer says he wants to focus on cultivating the merchant’s direct to consumer business.
Dyer replaces Scott Edmonds, who is retiring after 15 years. The new CEO says one of his top priorities will be to grow the retailer’s online and catalog sales. “Our three brands do about $100 million in sales volume combined. Chico’s should be two, three or four times as large in direct-to-consumer sales,” says Dyer. Dyer says he wants to build out the direct-to-consumer infrastructure and ramp up marketing to online consumers.
In the past, Dyer has worked for several apparel retailers, including as president and CEO of Tommy Hilfiger, and CEO of Lands’ End. When Lands’ End was sold to Sears Roebuck and Co., Dyer became an executive vice president at Sears and a member of the retailer’s executive committee. Other past posts include acting president of J. Crew and president and chief operating officer of Home Shopping Network. His first corporate job was as an executive trainee at Burdines department stores in Miami. He worked there for 17 years in various roles and eventually became senior vice president of merchandising and marketing.
"I have great respect for the company's market position and leadership, and the work that Scott has done over the course of his 15 years at the company to build it into a first-rate retailer," Dyer says. "I look forward to leading Chico's through the challenges of the current environment to a bright and successful future. With three strong and well-defined brands, a clean balance sheet and an outstanding management team, I have every confidence we are positioned for long-term success."
Dyer, who has had held a spot on the Chico’s board since 2007, will remain on the board. Ross E. Roeder, the retailer's lead director, has been named non-executive chairman of the board.
Chico’s is No. 209 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide. Sears is No. 8, J. Crew No. 50 and Home Shopping Network No. 25.
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