Watts takes on new role at QVC

WEST CHESTER, Pa.-- QVC has announced the promotion of Claire Watts to the newly created position of CEO of U.S., reporting to QVC president and CEO Mike George. Watts' new position, which is effective immediately, includes responsibility for the overall strategy and operations of QVC's U.S. business.

"Since joining QVC three years ago, Claire has had an extraordinary impact in making QVC a leading and innovative multichannel retailer," said George. "By taking on these expanded responsibilities, I am confident she will take our U.S. business to new heights, while also allowing me to focus more on QVC's growing global operations."

Watts joined QVC in 2008 as president of U.S. commerce and helped expand QVC.com and lead the company's push into mobile platforms, QVC reported.

In her new position as CEO of U.S., Watts will assume responsibility for QVC's customer fulfillment services team. She will oversee QVC's customer service and distribution departments, which include the company's three U.S.-based call centers and its four U.S.-based distribution centers. Watts will continue to oversee teams responsible for merchandising, programming, marketing, affiliate sales, broadcasting, QVC.com, consumer insights and quality and supply chain.

Prior to joining QVC, Watts spent 10 years in various positions with Wal-Mart Stores, where she most recently served as EVP merchandising. Her experience in this role included apparel, jewelry, accessories and home product categories. While at Wal-Mart Stores, Watts was awarded the highest honor given at the company – the Sam M. Walton Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

She began her career in the May Company's Executive Training Program. Watts then served in senior merchandising and product roles at Paul Harris, The Limited and Lands' End.