Nov. 8--Abercrombie & Fitch has named an advertising agency executive its new chief financial officer.

Jonathan E. Ramsden will join Abercrombie by mid-December from TBWA Worldwide. He previously served as controller and principal accounting officer of TBWA's parent company, Omnicom Group. He was selected after a nationwide search.

He replaces Michael W. Kramer, who left Abercrombie about three months ago to become president and chief executive of Kellwood Co., an apparel company that makes brands including Baby Phat and Sag Harbor.

Abercrombie Chief Executive Michael Jeffries noted in a statement that Ramsden's experience in the "highly charged, creative atmosphere" of his past position will serve him well "as we continue to position our strong brands for the long term and steer Abercrombie & Fitch through the presently very challenging retail environment."

Ramsden joins Abercrombie at a tough time for the New Albany-based company and other apparel retailers. On Thursday, Abercrombie announced a same-store sales drop of 20 percent in October compared with the year-earlier period. Its stock is trading near a five-year low.

mrose@dispatch.com

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