Talbots names chief stores officer

Hingham, Mass. Talbots said Tuesday that is has named John Fiske III as its executive VP, chief stores officer, effective immediately. He is replacing Michele Mandel, who is retiring from the position of executive VP stores.

In his new role, Fiske will oversee all Talbots’ retail operations in the United States and Canada. He will also set the strategic direction for all aspects of Talbots’ new upscale outlet business that will launch this May. Fiske will continue to report directly to Trudy Sullivan, the company’s president and CEO.

Fiske, who has been part of Talbots since the retailer acquired J. Jill in 2006, was previously executive VP human resources and administration. Besides being responsible for the company’s human resources operations, Fiske was also responsible for business development, corporate services and loss prevention.

Until the company names Fiske’s successor, Talbots’ COO and CFO Michael Scarpa will assume all non-human resources related responsibilities. The chain hopes to fill the post in the coming weeks.