Eddie Bauer hires Limited exec

REDMOND, Wash. Eddie Bauer Holdings has named Neil Fiske as the company's new president and ceo effective July 9. Fiske, who will also be appointed to the board of directors, succeeds Howard Gross, a member of the board who was appointed interim ceo in February. Fiske has over 18 years experience in the retail and related industries, having served most recently as ceo of the Bath and Body Works, a division of Limited Brands.

Neil Fiske said, "I am excited to join Eddie Bauer, a company with a rich legacy and a distinctive heritage as an active outdoor lifestyle brand. I look forward to building on the momentum the company has achieved in its turnaround efforts. There is enormous potential for Eddie Bauer, and I look forward to helping maximize the company's opportunities and creating sustainable long-term growth."

As ceo of Bath and Body Works of Limited Brands, Fiske led the turnaround and brand transformation of a leading specialty retailer, reversing more than two years of negative comp-store sales and declining profits. Under his four-year tenure, Bath and Body Works grew from $1.8 to $2.5 billion, achieved record profits in 2006 and launched a number of innovative, industry leading brands.