Rue21 makes two new executive appointments

By

Robin Driver

Published
Oct 23, 2019

Youth-focused fast-fashion retailer Rue21 announced on Wednesday that it has made two new executive appointments, naming Catherine “Cat” Morisano as chief merchandising officer and Mary Blodgett as senior vice president of stores.

 
In her new role, Morisano will be responsible for coordinating the Warrendale, Pennsylvnia-based company’s marketing efforts. She succeeds Karen Pinney, who has left Rue21 through a mutual agreement with the company.

Morisano joins Rue21 from Charlotte Russe, where she most recently served as executive vice president and chief merchant. Her previous experience also includes stints as vice president of merchandising at both Fashion Nova and YM, as well as VP and DMM at Body Central.

“Cat is an outstanding senior merchant with close to 20 years of experience across leading digital and brick-and-mortar fashion companies,” commented Rue21 CEO and Chairman Michael C. Appel in a release. “Her expertise is setting broad product direction that aligns with the customer, making it easy to deliver an inspiring customer journey.”
 
Blodgett most recently served as senior vice president of stores at Charming Charlie, having previously worked as vice president of stores for The Body Shop International and executive vice president of stores at Tabi.

Other roles held by the executive include zone president Northeast for Victoria’s Secret and SVP of stores at Ann Taylor. She succeeds Dirk Armstrong, who has left Rue21.
 
“Mary has extensive experience in specialty retail translating brand value to consumers,” said Appel. “Her track record includes success in sales operations, strategic planning, market expansion, project management and sales training.”
 
The two appointments follow a trio of hires made by Rue21 in June of this year, when the company named Brian Rogers as senior vice president and chief human resources officer, Robert Brous as vice president of e-commerce and digital, and Michael Cingolani as vice president of ‘guys’ merchandising, the company’s teen men’s category.
 
Both Morisano and Blodgett will report to Appel.