Bath and Body Works announces CEO shift

COLUMBUS, Ohio— Bath and Body Works announced that it has named Nick Coe, formerly president of Lands' End, as its new CEO. The current CEO of Bath and Body Works,Diane Neal, will remain in her role as CEO through summer and then transition into an advisory role with the company from San Francisco.

"Diane has done amazing things at Bath and Body Works. I truly appreciate her expertise as a leader and merchant," said Leslie Wexner, chairman and CEO of Limited Brands, Bath and Body Works' parent company. "We think so highly of her work that we have asked her to stay connected with Bath and Body Works in an advisory capacity that leverages her unique skills while allowing her to return to San Francisco, a personal desire of hers."

Neal joined Bath and Body Works in November 2006 as president and COO and has served as CEO since 2007. Prior to joining Bath and Body Works, Neal held leadership positions at Gap and Target.

Prior to his career at Lands' End, Coe held senior merchandising positions at Banana Republic and Levi Strauss.

"I am also very excited that we are welcoming Nick who has such an incredible track record as a merchant and leader," said Wexner. "He understands the centrality of the customer and has great admiration for the Bath and Body Works brand and team."