Christopher & Banks appoints Target alum Keri Jones as CEO

By

Robin Driver

Published
Feb 6, 2018

Minneapolis-based specialty womenswear retailer Christopher & Banks Corporation announced the appointment of industry veteran Keri Jones as Chief Executive Officer last Thursday.

 
Jones succeeds interim CEO and President Joel Waller, who stepped into the position in January 2017 and will continue on at the brand in an advisory role for the near future.
 
Jones has over 30 years of experience working with leading premier retail businesses, having most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchant at Dick’s Sporting Goods. In this role she took charge of merchandising, product development and planning, as well as allocation and replenishment.

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Prior to this, Jones occupied a range of leadership positions at Target over the 27 years she worked with the company, including Executive Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Executive Vice President of Merchandising Planning and Operations.

In a release, Kent Kleeberger, Chairman of the Board of Directors, described Jones as “a versatile global executive displaying outstanding leadership with a proven record of driving results through consumer-focused strategy development.”
 
Jones, in turn, commented, “It's an honor to be named CEO and I am very excited to be joining Christopher & Banks and working with Joel Waller, the Board of Directors and the rest of the organization to build upon the current momentum and drive the Company to consistent profitability,” adding, “I share their passion for this business and focus on customer service and look forward to leveraging the Company's brand strengths to deliver improved operating results for the Company's shareholders.”
 
Kleeberger also thanked Waller for providing stability for the business during “a difficult time”. The brand, which operates 463 store in 45 states as well as an e-commerce site, was able to slow a steep sales decline in Q2 2017 but reported a “disappointing” 8% fall in sales during the third quarter.  

Jones’ appointment is expected to be effective March 12, 2018, when she will also become a member of the company’s Board of Directors.