Ross Stores taps seasoned retail executive as its next CEO
Ross Stores has found its next chief executive following a "comprehensive" search process.
Ross Stores has appointed James Conroy as CEO, succeeding 40-year company veteran Barbara Rentler, effective Feb. 2, 2025. Initially, he will join the off-price retailer on Dec. 2 as CEO-elect, when he will also become a member of the board, reporting to executive chairman Michael Balmuth. Upon becoming CEO, Conroy will report directly to the company’s full board.
As part of Ross’ previously announced succession plan, Barbara Rentler, current CEO and vice chair, will move to an advisory role as of Feb. 2, where she will continue to play an important role in the ongoing implementation of merchandising strategies through March 31, 2027.
Since 2012, Conroy has served as CEO and president of Boot Barn, one of the nation’s leading lifestyle retailers of western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories, with over 400 locations in 46 states and an e-commerce channel.
Prior to joining Boot Barn, Conroy served in various executive roles at Claire’s Stores, from 2007 to 2012, including COO and interim co-CEO in 2012 and president from 2009 to 2012.
“Jim is a proven retail executive with a demonstrated record of developing and leading successful retail management teams and creating tremendous value for shareholders,” stated Balmuth. “We also are confident that Jim’s track record of leveraging customer-centric retail strategies to maximize top- and bottom-line results will help drive our company’s profitable growth and shareholder value over the near and long term.”
Outgoing CEO Rentler has headed up Ross since June 2014, when she became the 25th female chief executive to serve at a Fortune 500 company.
“On behalf of the board and all our associates, I especially want to express our sincere gratitude to Barbara Rentler for her outstanding leadership as CEO over the last decade, as well as her almost 40 years with the company,” Balmouth said. “She has been instrumental in developing our current exceptional merchandising and operational organization that has set a strong foundation for continued growth. We are grateful that we will also be able to benefit from Barbara’s expertise in an advisory capacity over the next few years.”
Currently, Ross Stores operates 1,836 Ross locations in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. The company also operates 356 DD's Discounts stores in 22 states.
