BENSALEM, Pa., July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRS), a leading multi-brand apparel retailer specializing in women's plus apparel, today announced executive and management appointments. The Company also announced it has ceased the exploration of the sale of its Figi's food business, and announced the voting results of its 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Anthony M. Romano has been appointed Executive Vice President - Global Sourcing and Business Transformation, effective immediately. Romano joined Charming Shoppes in February 2009, with responsibility for executing the Company's business transformation and cost reduction initiatives. His role has been expanded to include the important functions of global sourcing, distribution, logistics, quality control and quality assurance. Romano will continue to report to President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Fogarty.
Romano served as Executive Vice President - Chief Supply Chain Officer of Ann Taylor, Inc. from 2005 through 2008, with responsibilities that included Supply Chain and Corporate Operations. He joined Ann Taylor in 1997 as Sr. Vice President of Logistics, and later assumed additional responsibility for Purchasing Operations prior to his appointment as Executive Vice President. From 1988 through 1996, Romano held a number of financial and operational roles at Charming Shoppes, Inc., culminating in his appointment as Vice President of International Operations.
Additionally, the Company announced that Bill Bass has accepted the permanent role of President of the Company's Charming Direct division, with responsibility for building the Company's e-commerce businesses -- www.lanebryant.com, www.fashionbug.com, and www.catherines.com. Bass joined Charming Shoppes January 2009 in a consulting capacity, with responsibility for upgrading the Company's e-commerce platforms. Bass will continue to report to Jim Fogarty.
Bass has significant expertise in e-commerce and direct marketing. In 2006, he co-founded Fair Indigo, a multi-channel retailer of women's and men's fair trade apparel. In 1999 he joined Lands' End, where he served as Senior Vice President of e-commerce and international. While at Lands' End, Bass led the growth of the e-commerce business while pioneering industry-leading technology such as live customer help, virtual models and custom clothing. After Lands' End became part of Sears, Roebuck & Co., Bass served as the Vice President and General Manager of the direct-to-consumer business at Sears until 2005. Prior to Lands' End, he was Group Director of Research for e-commerce and new media for Forrester Research, Inc.
Lisa J. Batra joins the Company as Director of e-commerce for the Fashion Bug brand. Batra's direct-to-consumer experience of more than 10 years includes product management positions at Bath & Body Works and QVC, Inc. Most recently, she was employed by the Lowe's Companies, Inc. as the head of marketing for lowes.com, with responsibility for marketing, strategy and execution of that company's e-commerce site.
Kimberly Aylward has joined the Company as Director of e-commerce for the Catherines brand. Aylward joins the Company following 12 years at Garnet Hill, Inc., where she served in management positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in her position as Director of Web Merchandising and Cross-Brand Business Development.
