(By Balaseshan) Christopher & Banks Corp. (NYSE: CBK), a retailer of women's apparel, said it has appointed LuAnn Via as its President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of its Board.
The appointment of Via is effective upon her first day of employment, which is anticipated to be November 26. The company has completed the search, commenced in February 2012, for a successor to Chief Executive Joel Waller.
As previously announced by the Company, Waller will continue in a consulting capacity through June 30, 2013, in order to ensure a smooth transition.
From July 2008 until earlier this month, Via served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands Inc., which recently was acquired.
At Payless ShoeSource, Via was responsible for about $2.4 billion in annual revenues at 4,000 stores in 30 countries across four continents with more than 26,000 employees worldwide.
She also has specialty retail women's experience, having served in several capacities at Charming Shoppes Inc. from January 2006 to July 2008.
As of October 29, 2012, the company operates 640 stores in 44 states consisting of 388 Christopher & Banks stores, 172 stores in their women's plus size clothing division CJ Banks, 55 dual stores and 25 outlet stores.
CBK closed Friday's regular session at $3.27. The stock has been trading between $1.01 and $3.88 for the past 52 weeks.