HSN names new head of corporate strategy

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- HSN announced that Mitchell Hara has been appointed SVP corporate strategy/M&A, a newly created position, effective immediately. He will report directly to Judy Schmeling, CFO of HSNi.

In his new position, Hara will assist with the overall corporate strategy, identifying and developing new strategic initiatives and leading the strategic planning process for the company. He will also evaluate and oversee potential strategic partnerships and transactions.

"Mitch's 20 years of investment banking and capital markets experience, as well as his deep knowledge of the retail sector make him a great addition to our team," said Schmeling. "We look forward to working with him to maximize HSNi's growth opportunities."

Prior to joining HSNi, Hara was a managing director of mergers and acquisitions at Peter J. Solomon Company. Previously, he led the Specialty Retail Practice at Citigroup Global Markets Inc. In addition, he has held similar positions at Merrill Lynch & Co., Wasserstein Perella & Co. and Citibank, N.A.