Former Rite Aid evp to head marketing at GNC

PITTSBURGH General Nutrition Centers has named Beth Kaplan president, chief merchandising and marketing officer of the company. In that role, she will report directly to ceo Joe Fortunato.

Fortunato said, "I am extremely pleased to bring an executive with Beth's talent, skills and experience to GNC. As president, chief merchandising and marketing officer, Beth will focus on key strategic initiatives relating to the merchandising of our stores, marketing of the GNC Brand and product development. Beth's enormous depth of experience in merchandising and marketing will help GNC to further build on its strong financial performance to date."

Kaplan had previously worked with GNC in the late 1990s when she was senior evp of marketing and merchandising for Rite Aid, where she developed and negotiated Rite Aid's strategic alliance with GNC. From 2002 to 2005, she was evp and general manager of flagship stores at Limited Brands.