Former Claire's exec to head international business development at Children's Place

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of James Bruce Marshall as SVP and managing director international business development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

Most recently, Marshall was SVP and managing director international development and operations, for Claire's Stores Inc. where he was responsible for their joint venture and franchise operations across 23 countries. Previously, he spent six years with Warner Bros. in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his appointment as SVP and managing director, Asia Pacific, where he was responsible for expanding their licensed brands in the Asia Pacific market. Marshall began his retail career with Marks and Spencer, where he spent 16 years in a variety of managerial positions, including establishing and managing their franchise operations across Central and Eastern Europe.

"International expansion offers a significant growth opportunity for The Children's Place," commented Jane Elfers. "We are already the number one pure-play children's specialty apparel retailer in North America and we believe this brand can be equally successful worldwide. Bruce is a seasoned professional with extensive experience establishing and managing global brands and, with his leadership, our plan is to embark upon the development of a roadmap for international expansion."