Former Ross exec to be Stage Stores division head

Houston Stage Stores said Monday that it has named retail veteran Robert Bernard to lead its South Hill division.

Bernard, 55, will become the Virginia-based unit's president and COO. He was previously a senior VP and general merchandise manager at Ross Stores.

He succeeds Richard Maloney, who became Stage's chief marketing officer this winter.

Stage operates more than 777 stores around the country under several banners.