Chico's names new independent chair of board

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Mar 13, 2022

Fort Myers, Florida-based womenswear retailer Chico’s FAS announced on Friday that its board of directors has appointed Kevin Mansell as the next chair of the board. 

Mansell succeeds Bonnie Brooks, who has served as executive chair since 2020 and will continue to serve as a director and a member of the merchant committee and executive committee.

With his appointment, effective immediately, the chair will once again be an independent director.

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"On behalf of the board, we are deeply appreciative of Bonnie's leadership as executive chair through a time of unparalleled challenges and transformation for Chico's FAS," said Jan Fields, chair of the company's corporate governance and nominating committee. 

"Bonnie's expertise, insights and guidance have been invaluable to the board and the company throughout the last two years, particularly in light of disruption from the pandemic. Kevin has been an important voice in the boardroom since joining the board last year, and we are pleased he has agreed to serve as chair.”

Mansell joined the board in April 2021 with over 40 years of experience in the retail industry, and has served as lead independent director since the company's 2021 annual meeting of shareholders. Prior to this, he spent over 35 years at Kohl's Corporation, most recently serving as its chairman, chief executive officer and president before retiring in May 2018.

"In my time on the board, I have come to know and admire my fellow directors and the company's leadership team. Chico's FAS has made tremendous strides in returning to growth and has a clear path forward to further enhance value creation for our shareholders,” said Mansell. 

“As I look forward to leading our board as chair, I am confident the team is implementing the right strategy and taking the necessary actions to position Chico's FAS as a digital-first, customer-led retailer.”

The company currently operates 1,266 stores in the U.S. and sells merchandise through 59 international franchise locations in Mexico and two domestic franchise airport locations.