Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores promotes COO to CEO

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. has named William (Will) A. Powell as CEO and president. Powell succeeds W. Bruce Johnson, who as previously announced is stepping down as CEO and president.



Powell, who was also named to the board of directors, has been senior VP and COO of Sears Hometown since its separation from Sears Holdings Corp. in October 2012. He previously served as Sears Holdings’ senior VP and president, Hometown Stores (at that time a division of Sears Holdings), positions he held from November 2008 to October 2012.



The company also named board member E.J. Bird as the chairman of the board.



“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve as CEO and president of this great company and to work with our outstanding board of directors, executive team and associates, franchisees and dealers, and vendors,” said Powell. “Together we will accelerate our business transformation initiatives, such as ‘America’s Appliance Experts,’ and our information systems transition. Our actions will be guided by the voice of our customers, one of the greatest assets of this company.”