2008-08-05 17:31:02 -
- Zale Corporation David H. Sternblitz, 972-580-5047 Vice President and Treasurer Zale Corporation (NYSE: ZLC), a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America, today announced the promotion of Theo Killion to President. Mr. Killion, who has served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Legal and Corporate Strategy since January 2008, will retain his current responsibilities in addition to assuming responsibility for the Company's Shared Services department, which provides customer, employee and store support, and the Company's Loss Prevention department. Mr. Killion will continue to report directly to Neal Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer.
Zale also announced today the promotion of Steve Larkin to Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and E-Commerce Officer. Since January 2006, Mr. Larkin has served
as Zale's Senior Vice President, E-Commerce. In February of this year, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing & E-Commerce, assuming responsibility for the Company's marketing efforts.
"With the appointments announced today, we have strong, proven managers at the head of each of the Company's functional areas, allowing for increased communication and accountability," said Neal Goldberg. "Theo is an outstanding manager with tremendous experience and leadership skills. At Zale, he has been instrumental in re-focusing the business to improve execution and enhance our operational effectiveness. In his new role as President, Theo will continue to be crucial in formulating our go-forward strategy. Separately, Steve has demonstrated his leadership capabilities overseeing the Company's E-commerce business since the beginning of 2006. Over this time, this business has experienced strong, double-digit growth, and this year reached $55 million in annual revenue. Since assuming responsibility for marketing in February, Steve has led our efforts to increase effectiveness of our marketing by diversifying our tactics and more emotionally connecting with our customers. Given the synergies between marketing and e-commerce, Steve is the right fit to unlock these opportunities."
Additional Biographical Information About Messrs. Killion and Larkin
Prior to Zale, Mr. Killion, worked at executive recruiting firm Berglass+Associates, focusing on companies in the retail, consumer goods and fashion industries. Before joining Berglass+Associates, Mr. Killion was EVP of Human Resources at Tommy Hilfiger, where his responsibilities covered worldwide HR strategies and initiatives. In his 30 years of experience, Mr. Killion also worked for the Limited Brands, Macy's East and The Home Shopping Network.
Prior to Zale, Mr. Larkin, held senior merchandising and E-Commerce positions with ShopNBC, The Fingerhut Corporation and several divisions of Federated Department Stores. He is a graduate of The School of Management at Boston University with a degree in Marketing.
About Zale Corporation
Zale Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America, operating approximately 2,150 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as online. Zale Corporation's brands include Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon's Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers, Mappins Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda. Zale also operates online at www.zales.com and www.gordonsjewelers.com. Additional information on Zale Corporation and its brands is available at www.zalecorp.com.
¶ -- Theo Killion Named President
¶ -- Steve Larkin Promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief
Marketing and E-Commerce Officer
