Victoria’s Secret exec joining department store retailer

Belk Inc. is expanding its senior leadership team.



The company, which operates 293 stores in 16 Southern states, named Randy Whitaker as executive VP, chief stores officer, effective June 27. He comes to Belk after more than 15 years at Victoria’s Secret, having most recently served as executive VP of store operations. His previous roles at Victoria’s Secret include senior VP of finance, real estate and stores, and VP of real estate integration.



As chief stores officer, Whitaker will oversee Belk’s stores organization, which includes three store divisions, store operations, real estate, and merchandising presentation.



In addition, Belk appointed Ron Garrow as executive VP, chief people officer, effective July 11. He joins Belk after more than six years at MasterCard, having most recently served as chief human resources officer. Prior to MasterCard, Ron worked at Bank of America during a six-year period, and spent 19 years at Wachovia in various human resources roles.



As chief people officer, Garrow will oversee Belk’s human resources and communications departments.