Ross Stores announces Jim Conroy as its new Chief Executive Officer

Nov 21, 2024 United States

James Conroy, a seasoned retail executive, will assume the CEO role at Ross Stores on the 2nd of February 2025. The current CEO, Barbara Rentler, will transition to an advisory role until March 2027

"We are excited to welcome Jim Conroy to Ross Stores as we build on our long history of profitable growth. Jim is a proven retail executive with a demonstrated record of developing and leading successful retail management teams and creating tremendous value for shareholders. We are confident that Jim's track record... will help [him] drive our company's profitable growth and shareholder value over the near and long term", commented Michael Balmuth, Executive Chairman at Ross Stores.

Ross Stores has announced the appointment of James Conroy as its incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective on the 2nd of February 2025. He will succeed current CEO Barbara Rentler. Conroy, a retail executive with over 25 years of experience, will join Ross Stores on the 2nd of December 2024 as a member of the Board of Directors. He will initially report to Balmuth, transitioning to answering to the entire Board upon assuming the CEO role.

The appointment follows a comprehensive succession planning process initiated in June 2023. Barbara Rentler, who has served as CEO for the past decade and spent nearly 40 years at Ross Stores, will transition to an advisory role upon stepping down. In this capacity, she will support the company's merchandising strategies until March 2027.

Conroy's extensive retail experience, particularly in leading Boot Barn's expansion and omnichannel retail, positions him to drive Ross Stores' future growth. His prior achievements at Claire's Stores and Boot Barn reflect a track record of navigating competitive retail landscapes and driving consumer engagement.

Conroy shared his enthusiasm about joining the company: "I have long admired Ross Stores' strong customer-focused value offerings and its incredible growth trajectory. I am very excited to be joining the company and for the opportunity to work with a tremendously talented leadership team to build on the company's long track record of success".

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