Founder and CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com steps down

The CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com is stepping down, but leadership of the 40-year-old company is staying in the family.



The company announced that effective June 30, Jim McCann, founder, chairman and CEO, will transition to the position of executive chairman and Chris McCann, president and Jim McCann's brother, will become CEO. The company says the announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of the company’s founding and is an integral part of its long-term succession plan.



“When we set up this succession plan many years ago, we did so with the goal of a having a seamless transition," said Jim McCann. "Chris has been steering our company’s day-to-day operations as president since 2000. His contributions as part of our leadership team have helped 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. grow past $1 billion in revenues while enhancing our market-leading position as our customers’ top destination for all of their celebratory and gifting occasions. Today’s announcement recognizes Chris’s significant contributions and reflects the seamless transition process that we have executed over the past several years. Working closely with Chris, I know there is no one better equipped to spearhead the continued growth and innovation of our company.”



According to a statement from the company, Chris has played a vital role in the growth of 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. since joining the company in 1984. He has been responsible for leading the company’s operations across all of its brands and businesses including its initiatives in ecommerce as well as embracing new customer engagement opportunities in Social and Mobile commerce.



Chris McCann said: “I have learned a great deal working alongside Jim over the years, as we took one storefront shop on Manhattan’s East side and grew it into a leading, omnichannel gift retailer. Our long history of focusing on innovation and embracing new technology will continue to play a vital role in solving for the gifting needs of our millions of customers. Looking ahead, our company is poised to achieve even greater growth by deepening our customer relationships and expanding our business platform in both the floral and gourmet food gifting spaces.”