FORT MYERS, Fla., Nov 03, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Chico's FAS, Inc.
(NYSE: CHS) today announced several key management promotions and two
management additions as part of its continuing effort to position the Company
for future growth:
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030428/CHICOLOGO )
Linda Costello has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Product
Development. In this role, Ms. Costello is responsible for all phases of
product development including trend and forecasting, and merchandising
strategies for the Chico's brand. Ms. Costello joined the Company in May 2000
as Director of Product Development. In November 2002, Ms. Costello was
promoted to Vice President-Product Development. Prior to joining Chico's, Ms.
Costello was Director of Product Development at the Lane Bryant division of
Limited Brands, Inc.
Rod Olson has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Operations of White
House | Black Market. In this role, Mr. Olson oversees business operations
for White House | Black Market including planning, allocation, forecasting,
facilities, budgeting, expense control, and systems integration. Mr. Olson
joined the Company in October 2004 when he was hired as Vice President-
Operations of White House | Black Market. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
Olson was a partner in Olson-NG Retail Consulting Group.
Charles McMurray has been promoted to Vice President-Production and
Quality. Mr. McMurray is an accomplished textile professional with over 20
years experience in retail and production. Mr. McMurray joined the Company in
August 2002 as Director of Production. He brings Chico's a highly developed
commercial awareness, embracing all technical aspects of garment and fabric
production, sourcing and product development, quality systems, and supply
chain management. Prior to joining Chico's, Mr. McMurray served as Senior
Production Director, Express and Senior Technical Director, Abercrombie &
Fitch, within Mast Industries (Limited Group).
Phillip Morris has been promoted to Vice President-Media, Production and
Budget. Mr. Morris joined the Company in May 2004 as Production Manager for
White House | Black Market and Soma, and was promoted to Director of Media and
Production in August 2004. Mr. Morris brings to Chico's an extensive knowledge
of the printing industry, having worked for several years with Current USA
Inc. as Director of Manufacturing and Creative Services, Director of Social
Expressions - Business Division, and Director of Creative, Advertising and
Merchandising. Prior to joining Current USA Inc., Mr. Morris spent twenty
years with Laura Ashley as Director of Creative.
The Company also announced two new management additions:
Debbie Martin has joined the Company as Vice President-Product
Development. Reporting to Linda Costello, Senior Vice President-Product
Development, Ms. Martin will be responsible for product development for the
Chico's brand. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Martin served as Vice
President-Group Product Development Director of Liz Claiborne, Inc. and Vice
President, Product Development for Talbots. Ms. Martin began her twenty-five
year career with Bloomingdale's and has also worked for Barney's New York,
Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Macy's, and Federated Merchandising Group.
Brian French has joined the Company as Vice President-Construction.
Reporting to Mori MacKenzie, Executive Vice President-Chief Stores Officer,
Mr. French will be responsible for all aspects of new store construction
including all transactions for Chico's, White House | Black Market and Soma.
Prior to joining Chico's, Mr. French served as Vice President, Store
Development for United Retail, Inc. where he was employed for 6 years. Prior
to United Retail, he worked for Venator Group and Warner Brothers.
Scott A. Edmonds, President and CEO, commented, "I am extremely pleased
the Company's continued growth has allowed us to attract talented retail
executives as well as provide significant advancement opportunities for
leaders within the organization. I expect these executives will play a
crucial role in sustaining our marketplace momentum in 2006 and beyond."
The Company is a specialty retailer of private label, sophisticated,
casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other
non-clothing gift items. The Company operates 745 women's specialty stores,
including stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin
Islands and Puerto Rico operating under the Chico's, White House | Black
Market and Soma by Chico's names. The Company owns 490 Chico's front-line
stores, 29 Chico's outlet stores, 193 White House | Black Market front-line
stores, 6 White House | Black Market outlet stores and 14 Soma by Chico's
stores; franchisees own and operate 13 Chico's stores.
Certain statements contained herein, including without limitation,
statements addressing the beliefs, plans, objectives, estimates or
expectations of the Company or future results or events constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known
or unknown risks, including, but not limited to, general economic and business
conditions, and conditions in the specialty retail industry. There can be no
assurance that the actual future results, performance, or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur. Users of
forward-looking statements are encouraged to review the Company's latest
annual report on Form 10-K, its filings on Form 10-Q, management's discussion
and analysis in the Company's latest annual report to stockholders, the
Company's filings on Form 8-K, and other federal securities law filings for a
description of other important factors that may affect the Company's business,
results of operations and financial condition. The Company does not undertake
to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience
or future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied in
such statements will not be realized.
For more detailed information, please call (877) 424-4267 to listen to the
Company's monthly sales information and investor relations line
A copy of a slide show addressing the Company's recent financial results and
current plans for expansion is available on the Company's website at
http://www.chicos.com in the investor relations section
Additional investor information on Chico's FAS, Inc. is available free of
charge on the Company's website at http://www.chicos.com in the investor
relations section
Executive Contacts:
Charles J. Kleman
Chief Financial Officer
Chico's FAS, Inc.
(239) 274-4105
F. Michael Smith
Vice President
Investor and Community Relations
Chico's FAS, Inc.
(239) 274-4797
SOURCE Chico's FAS, Inc.
Charles J. Kleman, Chief Financial Officer, +1-239-274-4105, or F. Michael Smith,
Vice President, Investor and Community Relations, +1-239-274-4797, both of
Chico's FAS, Inc.
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