Build-A-Bear Workshop exec joins C-suite at Francesca’s
Francesca's Acquisition is expanding its executive team as it looks to enhance its technology capabilities.
Francesca's appointed Mike Early as senior VP and chief technology officer, effective August 29th. He joins the company from Build-A-Bear Workshop, where he spent nearly 13 years and most recently served as CIO, responsible for global technology strategy and execution, leading the effort to rebuild the company's technology capabilities to support its strategic growth plan.
Prior to Build-A-Bear, Early spent nearly 12 years with Macy's, where he held various leadership roles supporting the brand's apparel retail business.
In addition, Laura Schick has joined Francesa’s as VP, e-commerce, bringing 20-plus years of retail experience.
The two appointments will enhance the brand's ability to build customer loyalty and curate enjoyable and exciting shopping experiences across all channels, the company said.
“By bringing on both Mike Early and Laura Schick, we're refining and expanding upon the infrastructure needed to remain ahead of the curve, anticipate change, and retain a loyal customer base," said Francesca's CEO Andrew Clarke.
In early 2021, Francesca’s, which filed for bankruptcy in December 2020, won court approval to sell itself to an affiliate of TerraMar Capital and Tiger Capital.
The retailer currently operates approximately 454 stores in 45 states. The merchandise assortment is a balanced mix of apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts.