C-SUITE

There is a new finance chief at Claire’s Stores.    The retailer has appointed Scott Huckins as its executive VP and CFO, effective Oct. 5. He joins Claire's from Sears Holdings where he served as VP, treasurer and president for Sears Re, (a wholly owned captive reinsurance company) for the last four years. In that role, he had responsibility for global treasury, capital markets, credit, risk management and reinsurance for the company.    

Who are the leading women working in retail technology? Chain Store Age is accepting nominations for its annual feature recognizing female executives who are helping to transform the retail industry through technology.   The “Top 10 Women in Tech” will celebrate the achievements of female executives from all areas of retail technology. The winners will be profiled in a special section of the January 2017 issue of Chain Store Age, as well as in an online report on chainstoreage.com.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods has a permanent CFO.   The retailer on Monday appointed Lee J. Belitsky as executive VP, CFO, effective immediately.   Belitsky assumes the responsibilities from André Hawaux, Dick’s executive VP, COO, who has served as the financial officer on an interim basis since August 2016. Hawaux will continue to serve as COO.  

Rue 21 announced a series of leadership changes as it looks to reinvigorate its brand.    In a surprise announcement on Saturday, the retailer said it had appointed CFO Keith McDonough as interim CEO, succeeding Bob Fisch, who has served as president and chief executive of Rue 21 since 2001.     

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. is losing a 46-year company veteran.   The retailer announced the retirement of Richard A. Johnson as executive VP. As part of the transition following Johnson’s retirement, Michael P. Marrone is being promoted to senior VP of store operations.      Marrone began his career with Big 5 in 1973 as a store sales associate.  He held numerous leadership roles of increasing responsibility at the company, and was named VP of store operations in 2002.

There is a leadership change underway at Stein Mart.   Dawn Robertson resigned from her position of CEO and company direc-tor. D. Hunt Hawkins, the chain’s president and COO, has been named interim CEO.  

American Eagle continues to strengthen its management team to further drive its growth.   Bob Madore has been appointed executive VP and CFO, starting Oct. 28. In his new role, Madore will oversee all aspects of finance, merchandise planning and allocation, and investor relations. He will report to American Eagle’s CEO Jay Schottenstein.  

Who says you can’t go home again?   Certainly not Gap Inc., which appointed Jamie Gersch as the senior VP, chief marketing officer of its Old Navy banner, reported adage.com. She replaces Ivan Wicksteed, who left the company in March. She will come aboard at the end of October.