Following poor Q1, DSW finance chief resigns

Mary Meixelsperger, senior VP and CFO DSW Inc., is shifting professional gears



Meixelsperger has resigned from the company effective June 10, to pursue another unspecified opportunity. Coincidentally or otherwise, DSW recently missed expectations for both profits and sales in a difficult first quarter of fiscal 2016. Net income fell 37% and same-store sales also declined, although revenues grew below Wall Street forecasts.



She had held her most recent position for about two years, previously serving in executive roles of growing responsibility at ShopKo Stores from 2005-2014. From 2007-2014, Meixelsperger held the role of executive VP and CFO at ShopKo.



DSW has promoted Jared Poff to senior VP, finance, and interim CFO, effective June 10. Poff has served as VP of finance, business development and treasurer of DSW since January 2015. Prior to joining DSW, Poff served as VP, treasurer at Big Lots Inc. since February 2004.



Several other retailers have also recently announced changes in CFO. Conn’s and Sears both announced CFO transitions following rough earnings periods. Best Buy also said its CFO is leaving, even though profits surged in its most recent quarter.



DSW has formed a search committee to assess internal and external candidates for the chief financial officer position.