Charming Shoppes announces executive changes

BENSALEM, Pa. Charming Shoppes has announced several executive and management appointments, including new leadership in global sourcing and e-commerce.

Anthony Romano has been appointed EVP of global sourcing and business transformation, effective immediately. Romano joined Charming Shoppes in February, with responsibility for executing the company's business transformation and cost reduction initiatives. His role has been expanded to include the important functions of global sourcing, distribution, logistics, quality control and quality assurance.

Additionally, the company announced that Bill Bass has accepted the permanent role of president of the Company's Charming Direct division, with responsibility for building the company's e-commerce businesses -- www.lanebryant.com , www.fashionbug.com ,and www.catherines.com .Bass joined Charming Shoppes January in a consulting capacity, with responsibility for upgrading the company's e-commerce platforms.

Lisa Batra joins the company as director of e-commerce for the Fashion Bug brand. Most recently, she was employed by the Lowe's Companies as the head of marketing for lowes.com, with responsibility for marketing, strategy and execution of that company's e-commerce site.

Kimberly Aylward has joined the company as director of e-commerce for the Catherines brand. Aylward joins the Company following 12 years at Garnet Hill, where she served in management positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in her position as director of Web merchandising and cross-brand business development.

Michele Pascoe has joined the company as division CFO - VP finance for the Fashion Bug brand. Most recently, she held the role of Chief Financial Officer with Taryn Rose International.

Brett Schneider has been appointed division CFO - VP finance for the Catherines brand. Schneider joined Charming Shoppes in 1996 and has held a number of positions within the company's finance division. Most recently, he served Charming Shoppes as the Division CFO - VP for the combined finance group of the Fashion Bug brand, Catherines brand and Outlet stores division.

Joseph Long has been appointed director of finance for the Outlet stores division. Long joined Charming Shoppes in 1995, and has held finance positions of increasing responsibility since that time. He most recently served as director of finance, for the combined finance group of the Fashion Bug brand, Catherines brand and Outlet stores division.

Jeffrey Liss has been appointed VP strategy, with responsibility for development and management of strategic activities of the company, including existing key strategic initiatives such as expense reductions. Liss joined Charming Shoppes in 2004. Previous to Charming Shoppes, he held senior management positions with Deloitte Consulting and Coopers & Lybrand Consulting.