Former Brooks Brothers exec to head The Limited

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Limited has appointed former Brooks Brothers executive Diane Ellis as the company’s CEO, effective August 26.

Ellis was president and chief operating officer of Brooks Brothers for six years. She oversaw information technology, human resources, retail and outlet stores, planning and allocation, product development, sourcing, supply chain, e-commerce and finance.

Prior to Brooks Brothers, she was a founding partner of Lighthouse Retail Group, managing director for the retail strategy practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers and director of merchandise planning, allocation and inventory control at Filene’s. Ellis also served in merchandising, planning, strategy, buying and store management roles at Marshalls and Joseph Horne’s department stores.

“Diane brings an impressive track record of success in both specialty retail and mass retail. Her expertise in consumer behavior, branding and store operations will add energy and momentum to the exciting initiatives underway at The Limited,” said Scott King, senior managing director of Sun Capital Partners and board member of The Limited. “We are excited to have Diane join The Limited.”

The announcement follows on the heels of the company’s plans to grow its store base in 2013 and extend its reach in the outlet segment. The company plans to open four outlet stores and eight traditional format stores this year. This year also marks the company’s sixth consecutive year of store growth. Including those opening this year, the company has added 68 new stores to its network since 2008. Today, the company operates 259 locations across the country.