Ruthanne Russell Named SVP, Human Resources

The Talbots, Inc. (NYSE: TLB) today announced that it has promoted Ruthanne Russell to Senior Vice President, Human Resources, replacing John Fiske, who was recently appointed Chief Stores Officer. Previously Vice President of Human Resources, Ms. Russell will now oversee all of the Company’s Human Resource functions including HR services, HR management, talent management, diversity and recruiting, organizational design, learning and development and corporate communications and community relations. She will report directly to Trudy F. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Talbots, Inc.

“Since joining Talbots, Ruthanne has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong background in organizational design, training and professional development,” said Ms. Sullivan. “Having played a critical role in creating a new organizational structure to support Talbots long-range strategic plan as well as designing a comprehensive Change Management Model that has helped associates adapt and thrive during times of intense change, I am confident that Ruthanne will excel in her new position and continue to play an important role in the Company.”

Ms. Russell, 49, joined Talbots in 2004 as Director of Human Resources and most recently served as Vice President of Human Resources Services. Previously, she was Vice President of Training and Development for Bright Horizons Family Solutions, a leading provider of child care and one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Additionally, she was a senior consultant with ExecuComp Consulting Group which specialized in providing human resources consulting.

Ms. Russell holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Salem State College. She currently resides in Duxbury, MA.

The Talbots, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of women’s apparel, shoes and accessories. At the end of fiscal 2008, the Company operated stores in 870 locations in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, with 587 locations under the Talbots brand name and 283 locations under the J. Jill brand name. Talbots brand on-line shopping site is located at www.talbots.com and the J. Jill brand on-line shopping site is located at www.jjill.com.

The Talbots, Inc.
Julie Lorigan, 781-741-7775
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or
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