Ascena Retail Group adds Michaels exec to board

The Ascena Retail Group is adding a seasoned retail CEO and a legal expert to its board of directors.



The parent company of Ann Taylor Loft, Ann and other banners announced three changes to its board of directors on Friday. Board member Klaus Eppler is retiring and Carl (“Chuck”) Rubin and Steven L. Kirshenbaum are joining the board.



Eppler has been a member of the Ascena Board of Directors since 1993. David Jaffe, President and CEO of the Ascena Retail Group, Inc., said: “Klaus has been an invaluable member of the Board and we thank him for his countless contributions. While Klaus will surely be missed, we are excited to welcome Chuck and Steve to the board.”



Rubin currently serves as CEO and chairman of the board at The Michaels Companies, Inc. He joined Michaels in 2013 as its CEO and was appointed as chairman of the board in 2015. Prior to joining Michaels, Rubin served as president and CEO of Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrances, Inc. Mr. Rubin also previously served on the executive committee of the board of directors of The National Retail Federation from 2007 to 2010.



“Chuck has expansive industry experience. His extensive managerial and operational knowledge of the retail industry make him an excellent addition to the Board,” said Jaffe.



Kirshenbaum is a senior partner in the Corporate Department of Proskauer Rose LLP, an international law firm with headquarters in New York City. Kirshenbaum primarily focuses on corporate, transactional, governance and securities practice areas for domestic and foreign companies.



Ascena Retail Group Inc. operates 4,900 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.