Claire's searches for new CEO

CHICAGO — Claire's Stores has announced that Eugene Kahn , the company's CEO, has resigned. The company said its board of directors will conduct a search for a new CEO and will consider both internal and external candidates for this position. In the meantime, James Conroy , president of Claire's Stores, and Jay Friedman , president of Claire's North American Division, will form an interim office of the CEO, reporting to the board of directors. All of these management changes are effective immediately.

Peter Copses, chairman of the board of directors, commented, "We thank Gene for his tireless efforts as CEO of Claire's since the going-private transaction in 2007. Under Gene's leadership, the company has improved its merchandising, more clearly defined its target customers, embarked on a new store program in Europe , and launched its e-commerce site. We wish Gene well in all his future endeavors. We are fortunate to have a strong and deep team at Claire's, and are confident in Jim and Jay's ability to lead the company as the board conducts a search for a new CEO."