Fossil exec named new CMO at Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley Inc. has hired an executive with the Fossil Group to be its new chief marketing officer.

Vera Bradley announced that Theresa Palermo has been named CMO and will join the company on June 22.

"Theresa comes to Vera Bradley with an accomplished retail marketing background," said Vera Bradley CEO Robert Wallstrom. "She has a terrific blend of creative and analytical skills and a solid track record of building brands, engaging consumers, and driving sales through designing and executing comprehensive marketing programs. Marketing is a key focus for Vera Bradley as we work to create excitement around our brand and introduce consumers to our myriad of new products. We are anxious for Theresa to get started."

Since 2013 Palermo has served as VP, global marketing and PR for Fossil Group, where she successfully created and executed innovative marketing strategies and campaigns for their extensive portfolio of luxury and fashion brands across North and Central America. Palermo joined Fossil in 2011 as global senior director of marketing.

Prior to joining Fossil, she held key marketing roles of increasing responsibility with several well-known retailers including global footwear company Collective Brands, The Timberland Company and the J. Jill Group.

In her new CMO role at Vera Bradley, Palermo will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies and initiatives that will build Vera Bradley's brand awareness and drive revenue growth across all of the ompany's channels, the company said.

Vera Bradley Inc. is a designer of women's handbags and accessories, luggage and travel items, eyewear, stationery, and gifts.