Pier 1 Imports bolsters marketing team following second quarter results

Pier 1 Imports is wasting no time addressing its misguided marketing strategy, which CEO Alex W. Smith identified as one of the causes for the retailer’s poor earnings for the second quarter ended Aug. 31. To that end, the company has named Eric Hunter as EVP of marketing.

Hunter will be responsible for Pier 1 Imports’ brand image and integrated marketing efforts.

“As we look to the future and continue the development of our omnichannel business, strategizing and effectively implementing the breadth and complexity of marketing activities is vital for our success,” said Smith. “Eric’s broad marketing experience in retail makes him well-equipped to take on this pivotal leadership position.”

Hunter has more than 15 years of diverse marketing experience. Most recently, he served as SVP of marketing and acting chief marketing officer for J.C. Penney, in Plano, Texas. While there, he led strategy, research, creative, media, customer relationship management and digital direction for the JCP enterprise brand and all JCP-owned brands. Previously, he served as chief marketing officer and group president with Kellwood Company, an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners that designs, manufactures and markets a growing collection of premier fashion brands. Prior to Kellwood, Hunter spent considerable time working in agency creative, with PMK/HBH/Momentum Worldwide, the promotional marketing arm of Interpublic’s McCann Worldgroup, and Creative Artists Agency.