Kirkland's CEO to retire

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Home decor retailer Kirkland's announced that Robert Alderson, the company’s long-time president and CEO, has advised the board of directors of his intention to retire from the company at the end of fiscal 2013, or approximately Feb. 1, 2014.

Alderson noted, “Over the past five years, we’ve restored Kirkland’s stability and significantly enhanced its profitability. We’ve also completed a huge amount of foundational work in systems, e-commerce, marketing, merchandising process, real estate and store operations. Over the course of the year, we will continue to work on substantially upgrading our merchandising talent and leadership. I have enjoyed the last 27 years at Kirkland’s, but now is the right time to begin recasting the leadership.”

Wilson Orr, the company’s chairman, noted, “Robert is an exemplary leader and has given much of himself to Kirkland’s over the past three decades. We obviously respect his desire to step back at the end of the year and will work with him on planning for the appropriate leadership for the next phase of our growth.”