Former Lord & Taylor CEO takes helm of Children's Place

Secaucus, N.J. Children’s Place Retail Stores Inc. said Friday morning it has named former Lord & Taylor CEO Jane Elfers as president and CEO of the 953-store children’s clothing retail chain.

On Jan. 4, Elfers, 48, will officially replace Chuck Crovitz, who has served as interim CEO since September 2007 and as a director since 2004. Crovitz will remain on the board.

Elfers has also been named to the board of directors.

Last September, Elfers departed Lord & Taylor, where she had served as the department store retailer’s president and chief executive for nine years.

Of her appointment as chief of Children’s Place, chairman of the board Norman Matthews said, “Jane is a highly talented merchant and a visionary leader. Her deep knowledge of merchandising and marketing, coupled with hands-on operational experience, makes her the ideal leader to take The Children's Place to the next level as the company seeks to further expand its market share and enhance shareholder value."

Elfers began her retail career at Macy's Inc.