J.Jill CEO out

J.Jill is looking for a new chief executive.

The women’s apparel retailer said that Linda Heasley has stepped down as president and CEO. It named board member Jim Scully as interim chief executive while it searches for a permanent replacement.

Heasley took the helm of J.Jill in April 2018, joining the retailer from The Honey Baked Ham Company where she had served as CEO since February 2017. Previously, she was CEO and president of Lane Bryant, from 2013 to 2017. 

Heasley’s departure comes on the heels of disappointing third quarter for J.Jill. Sales fell 4.6% to $166.1 million; same-store sales were down 7%. Net income fell to $2.4 million from $6.7 million.

J. Jill’s newly appointed interim CEO has worked in retail for more than 20 years and has been on the J.Jill board since August 2017. Scully previously served as executive VP and COO of Avon Products. Prior to Avon Products, he served as COO of J. Crew Group, which he joined in 2005 as CFO. Before J. Crew, he spent eight years at Saks Inc.

“Jim is a retail industry veteran with a proven track record of working in complex environments and a deep understanding of J.Jill from his time on the Board,” said Michael Rahamim, chairman. “We are confident in Jim’s ability to drive performance and ensure a seamless transition while we search for J.Jill’s next leader. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Linda for her contributions and dedication to J.Jill.”