The Limited announced that Diane Ellis will lead the iconic apparel retailer as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 26.
Ellis comes to The Limited after six years as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Brooks Brothers. At Brooks Brothers, Ellis helped accelerate growth and profitability by enhancing the store experience, strengthening processes and building the team while maintaining an entrepreneurial culture. She oversaw information technology, human resources, retail and outlet stores, planning and allocation, product development, sourcing, supply chain, e-commerce and finance.
Prior roles include founding partner of Lighthouse Retail Group, Managing Director for the Retail Strategy Practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Director of Merchandise Planning, Allocation and Inventory Control at Filene’s. Ellis also served in merchandising, planning, strategy, buying and store management roles at Marshalls and Joseph Horne’s department stores.
“Diane brings an impressive track record of success in both specialty retail and mass retail. Her expertise in consumer behavior, branding, and store operations will add energy and momentum to the exciting initiatives underway at The Limited,” said Scott King, Senior Managing Director of Sun Capital Partners and Board Member of The Limited. “We are excited to have Diane join The Limited.”
Ellis’ announcement follows on the heels of the company’s plans to grow its store base in 2013 and extend its reach in the outlet segment. The company plans to open four outlet stores and eight traditional format stores this year. 2013 marks the company’s sixth consecutive year of store growth. Including those opening this year, the company has added 68 new stores to its network since 2008. Today, the company operates 259 locations across the country.
About The Limited
Building on its 50 years of leadership in American shopping centers, The Limited is an iconic fashion retailer that offers high-quality, private-label apparel designed to help our clients succeed. Design-driven, fashionable styles include suiting, sweaters, dresses, denim, outerwear, and accessories—to suit her lifestyle demands, from workday to weekend.
