Ann Taylor Stores names new president

NEW YORK Ann Taylor Stores Corp. announced the appointment of Christine M. Beauchamp to the position of president of the Ann Taylor Stores division, effective immediately. Beauchamp, who has been a strategic consultant to the company since earlier this year, succeeds Adrienne Lazarus, who is leaving the company. Beauchamp will report to Kay Krill, president and ceo of the company.

"This transition of leadership at our heritage brand is taking place at an exciting time of evolution for Ann Taylor," stated Krill. "I am delighted that Christine, a seasoned retail executive and valued partner to me over the last several months, will be assuming the leadership of our Ann Taylor Stores division. She has a deep understanding of our brand and customer base and will move seamlessly into this critical role. At the same time, I want to thank Adrienne for the many contributions she has made to the company over the past 17 years."

"I am delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time, and I look forward to unlocking the enormous potential of the Ann Taylor brand," added Beauchamp.

Beauchamp was previously with Limited Brands, most recently as president and ceo of Victoria's Secret Beauty. Prior to Limited Brands, she served as a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group, specializing in consumer goods and retail. She began her career as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs. She holds an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.