Talbots promotes Kowalczyk to coo

HINGHAM, Mass. Talbots announced Tuesday that Philip Kowalczyk, currently president of the company's J. Jill Group, has been named coo of the company effective immediately. He will report directly to Trudy Sullivan, president and ceo.

Kowalczyk joined Talbots in 2004 as evp, chief administrative officer. He previously was managing director of Kurt Salmon Associates.

"Phil has played a key role in helping to stabilize and integrate J. Jill into Talbots operations following the company's acquisition of J. Jill in May 2006. He has done an exceptional job in bringing important business disciplines, organizational structure and merchandising processes and controls to the J. Jill brand that are necessary for accelerated growth. In his new position as coo at Talbots, we can effectively leverage Phil's extensive experience with the company and his intimate understanding of what both brands stand for, as we develop our long range strategic plan," commented Sullivan.