Zale shakes up management

DALLAS Zale announced that Neal Goldberg, CEO and member of the board of directors, William Acevedo, chief stores officer, and Mary Kwan, chief merchandising officer, have left the company effective immediately. The board of directors has appointed Theo Killion, president, to the additional role of interim CEO.

Killion joined Zale in January 2008 as EVP and was appointed president in August 2008. Previously, Killion held senior management positions at Tommy Hilfiger, Limited Brands, Macy’s East and the Home Shopping Network. HE will assume initial responsibility for all store operations.

In addition, Zale also announced that Gil Hollander, EVP and chief sourcing and supply chain officer, has assumed the additional role of chief merchandising officer. This change will bring all aspects of diamond sourcing and merchandising under Hollander’s oversight. He has over 35 years of experience in the jewelry industry, joined Zale in September 2000 with the acquisition of Piercing Pagoda and has served in various senior management positions with the company.

“Our board is determined to do all in its power to put in place effective leadership to help return the company to profitability. At the same time, these management changes will help facilitate renewed focus on Zale’s core diamond business. We are fortunate to have executives with Theo Killion’s and Gil Hollander’s experience to assume greater leadership responsibilities as we refocus on our core strengths,” said John Lowe, Jr., chairman of Zale.