Dressbarn taps new merchandising chief

Ascena Retail Group has appointed Judith Langley as EVP and chief merchandising officer of Dressbarn.



“Judi is an outstanding merchant with deep specialty and large retail format experience. She will play a key role in the evolution of the Dressbarn brand and we are delighted to have her joining the team,” said David Jaffe, president and CEO of Ascena Retail Group.



Langley was most recently EVP and chief merchandising officer at Charming Charlie’s, a jewelry and accessories chain. Previously, Langley was SVP of design and trend at Kohl’s, where she oversaw product direction for 15 brands; VP of merchandising at Ann Taylor; and held merchandising and product development positions with Banana Republic, Gap, Victoria’s Secret and May Company.



“Judi’s track record as a successful merchant with design expertise will be a tremendous asset to Dressbarn,” said Jeff Gerstel, president of Dressbarn. “I am pleased to welcome Judi to Dressbarn’s team and look forward to the leadership, creativity, and vision she will bring to our brand’s transformation.”



Langley has a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Notre Dame.



Ascena Retail Group is a leading specialty retailer offering clothing, shoes and accessories for missy and plus-size women, under the Lane Bryant, Cacique, Maurices, Dressbarn and Catherines brands; and for tween girls and boys, under the Justice and Brothers brands. Ascena Retail Group operates through its subsidiaries approximately 3,900 stores throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.