Chico's names new board member

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Chico's FAS, a women's specialty retailer of private-branded apparel, intimates and accessories, has appointed McDonald’s executive Janice L. Fields to its board of directors.

Her appointment brings the total number of board seats to nine. Fields was also appointed to the board's corporate governance and nominating committee.

Fields was president of McDonald's from January 2010 through November 2012. Previously, she held numerous roles at McDonald's, having started her career as a crew member. Prior to serving as president, she held several executive positions within McDonald's USA, including U.S. division president for the central division from 2003 through 2006 and EVP and COO from 2006 through January 2010.

She currently serves on the board of directors of Monsanto Company and on the boards of the Field Museum and the Global Board of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Fields also chairs the board of United Cerebral Palsy.

"We are delighted to welcome Jan to our board of directors. Jan has deep experience with innovation and strategic insights in a world-class company. Jan's perspectives on growing a large retail organization while maintaining brand-right messaging and personal service will be highly valuable as we chart our path for future growth," said Chico’s chairman of the board Ross E. Roeder.

Chico’s operates the Chico’s, Boston Proper, White House | Black Market and Soma Intimates brands, which operates 611 boutiques and 102 outlets throughout the United States. It also operates an e-commerce site and distributes a catalog.