Rue 21 taps former GNC head as new CEO

The chief executive of Rue 21 is stepping down.

The teen apparel retailer has named Josh Burris as CEO and member of the board, effective April 3. He replaces Bill Brand, who was named CEO in October 2020 and in March (2023) announced his intention to step down from the position.

Most recently, Burris was with GNC, where he was appointed CEO in February 2021 following the company’s successful restructuring. He left the nutritional supplements retailer in January 2023, according to his LinkedIn page.

Prior to joining GNC in 2019 as president and chief U.S. officer, Burris spent seven years, from 2012 to 2019, at AM Retail Group. Before AM, he was with Abercrombie & Fitch Co., from 1996 to 2012.

"We’re thrilled that Josh has agreed to join rue21 as its next CEO,” said Vuk Djunic, partner, Blue Torch Capital. “Josh has decades of experience transforming popular consumer-facing brands which makes him best equipped to lead rue21 into its next chapter.”  

Headquartered in Warrendale, Pa., Rue 21 currently operate over 600 US stores in 45 states.

“As a brand, rue21 serves the most vibrant and fastest-growing segments focused on affordable fashion that's accessible to all, making it well positioned for growth,” said Burris. “I've dedicated my career to building retail brands centered around the consumer and am excited to move rue21 forward and achieve new heights.”