Cost Plus CEO Steps Down

Oakland, Calif., The chairman, CEO, and president of Cost Plus, Murray Dashe, has stepped down and plans to retire, the specialty retailer announced today. Danny Gurr, who has served as company director since 1995, has been appointed interim president and CEO while a replacement is sought. In addition, Fredric M. Roberts, a company director since 1999, has been named non-executive chairman of the board.

“On behalf of the board, we thank Murray for his efforts over the past seven years and his role in helping grow the company from 58 stores to a nationwide chain of 236 stores with annual sales approaching $1 billion,” said Gurr in a statement. “We have a strong and experienced team of dedicated employees to execute our strategies and several key initiatives that we have undertaken to strengthen our brand and increase returns for our investors.”