Lane Bryant exec lands top role at HoneyBaked Ham

The former CEO of the nation’s top plus-size apparel chains will soon head up a food retailer.



Just days after it was revealed that Linda Heasely had left her position as chief executive of Ascena Retail Group’s Lane Bryant and Catherine’s, Honey Baked Ham Company announced that it had appointed her as its new CEO, effective Feb. 6, 2017.



In her new role, Heasley succeeds HoneyBaked Ham chairman and interim CEO Paul Roth.



"We have been pursuing Linda for months," said Roth. "She is a well-respected and visionary CEO with a proven track record of developing strong teams and delivering results. We are proud that she will be a part of the HoneyBaked Ham family to continue our 60-year success story."



Heasley oversaw 800 Lane Bryant, Catherine's and Cacique stores nationwide and is widely credited with revitalizing the Lane Bryant brand. Prior to Ascena, Heasley was chairman, president and CEO of The Limited, and CVS Caremark.



"As a family-owned business, HoneyBaked Ham has a stellar reputation, not just for its outstanding products, but also for its culture and dedication to its employees,” Heasley said. “I look forward to working with the team to support their incredible growth and finding new ways to enhance the customer experience."



Founded by Harry Hoenselaar in 1957 and led by three generations of his family, HoneyBaked Ham operates nearly 400 locations nationwide.