Talbots Names New COO

Hingham, Mass., Talbots Inc. on Tuesday named Philip H. Kowalczyk COO, effective immediately. Kowalczyk previously was president of the company's J. Jill group.

Talbots said it retained Kirk Palmer & Associates Inc. to manage the search for Kowalczyk's successor.

Earlier on Tuesday, Talbots said it retained a consulting firm to assist the company with a strategic review and evaluate the Talbots brands in an effort to improve profitability and business performance. The review is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2008.