Children's apparel retailer taps former Sears exec as CEO

Hanna Andersson named a former top executive of Sears Holdings Corp. as the specialty retailer's next chief executive.



The children's apparel brand appointed Joelle Maher as president and CEO, effective May 30, 2017. Maher is a 25-year retail veteran, who served as president and chief member officer at Sears Holdings from July 2015 until she resigned in December 2016. Prior to that, Maher served as COO for Gymboree Corporation. She also held senior leadership positions at Levi Strauss & Company, Lucky Brand Jeans, Old Navy and Macy's East.



Maher will succeed Adam Stone, who joined Hanna Andersson in 2005. He was named CEO in 2010.



"It is bittersweet to make the decision to step away from Hanna Andersson – a company, brand and group of people I care so deeply about," Stone said. "I could not be more proud of the work the outstanding Hanna Andersson team has done to set the foundation for the future, and while it was a difficult decision, the time is right for me to pursue the next chapter in my personal and professional life.”



At Hanna Andersson, Maher will drive initiatives to accelerate growth, including extending the brand's reach to new customers, deepening the company's e-commerce capabilities, and continuing to build the brand across all channels. Founded in 1983 as a catalog retailer, Hanna Andersson reaches customers through catalogs, e-commerce and 80 retail locations.