Apparel, accessories retailer taps Stages Stores exec as CEO

Francesca's Holdings Corp. has found a chief executive.



The retailer appointed Steven P. Lawrence, who currently serves as chief merchandising officer for Stage Stores, as president and CEO. Lawrence, who was also appointed to the company’s board, will officially join Francesca’s in October 2016.



Lawrence replaces Richard Kunes, who has been serving as Francesca’s interim chairman, president and CEO since May 2016. Kunes will become the company’s chairman of the board.



Prior to joining Stage Stores in 2012, Lawrence worked at J.C. Penney from 2000 to 2012.



“Steve is a world-class retail executive and brings a wealth of knowledge gained over 26 years of retail experience,” said Kunes. “Not only is Steve a talented merchant, he is a strategic thinker and a thought leader who knows how to lead teams to successfully execute their strategic plans and to drive growth. We are confident Steve is the right person to capitalize on Francesca’s solid growth platform and continue to enhance Francesca’s position as a specialty retailer.”



Francesca’s operates 663 stores nationwide.