J.Jill Names Claire Spofford as Chief Executive Officer
08 October 2020 - 7:35AM
Business Wire
20 year retail industry veteran to drive next
chapter of growth for brand
J.Jill, Inc. (NYSE:JILL) today announced the appointment of
Claire Spofford as Chief Executive Officer, effective no later than
February 15. She will also become a member of the Board of
Directors. Jim Scully will remain Interim CEO to ensure a smooth
transition of the role. Spofford a veteran retail executive with
more than 20 years of experience, most recently served as President
of Cornerstone Brands.
“After an extensive period of successfully navigating through
the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and a strategic
restructuring of the business, J.Jill has emerged stronger both
operationally and financially to continue to execute on our
initiatives and capitalize on the growth opportunities ahead,” said
Michael Rahamim, Chairman of the Board. “As we enter this next
phase, we are excited to welcome Claire back to the J.Jill
organization. Claire’s extensive experience driving growth and
profitability at respected retail companies coupled with her
knowledge of our customer and brand make her the ideal candidate to
lead the business forward. We look forward to building upon the
legacy of this great brand.”
As President of Cornerstone Brands Spofford oversaw a portfolio
of four interactive, aspirational, home and apparel lifestyle
brands including Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Garnet Hill and
Grandin Road. She led the team there in evolving the brands into
profitable, digitally driven omnichannel businesses. Prior to being
appointed President of Cornerstone Brands, Spofford served as
President of Garnet Hill, one of the company’s lifestyle brands.
Previously, she was Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing
Officer of J.Jill, Inc. She held numerous leadership roles at
Orchard Brands including Interim President and Chief Executive
Officer, as well as Group President for Premium Brands and
President of Appleseeds. Prior to Orchard Brands, Spofford served
as Vice President, Global Marketing of Timberland.
“I am honored to rejoin the team and for the opportunity to lead
J.Jill as we look to build on our strong heritage and position the
company for the future,” said Spofford. “J.Jill is a unique brand
that is not only dedicated to helping women look great and feel
good, but also to supporting women in the community, and I have a
deep admiration and love for the brand and the important role it
plays in women’s lives. I am excited to work alongside the talented
team as we continue to evolve and meet the needs of our customer
day in and day out.”
Spofford currently serves as a board member for Reclaim
Childhood and previously served on the board of directors for White
Flower Farm and as a board member for Project Adventure, Inc.
Spofford received her MBA from Babson College and her Bachelors of
Arts in English and Political Science from the University of
Vermont.
Rahamim continued, “As we look to chart the next chapter for
J.Jill, we want to thank Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jim
Scully, for his exceptional stewardship, guidance and leadership
over the course of the past 10 months. With a solid foundation in
place to build upon, we are well positioned to execute against our
long-term business strategy.”
About J.Jill, Inc.
J.Jill is a premier omnichannel retailer and nationally
recognized women’s apparel brand committed to delighting customers
with great wear-now product. The brand represents an easy,
thoughtful and inspired style that reflects the confidence of
remarkable women who live life with joy, passion and purpose.
J.Jill offers a guiding customer experience through about 280
stores nationwide and a robust e-commerce platform. J.Jill is
headquartered outside Boston. For more information, please visit
www.jjill.com or http://investors.jjill.com. The information
included on our websites is not incorporated by reference.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201007005895/en/
Investor Contact: Caitlin Churchill ICR, Inc.
investors@jjill.com 203-682-8200
Media Contact: Jessica Liddell ICR, Inc.
jjillPR@icrinc.com 203-682-8200
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