Rack Room Shoes has announced key promotions that align its operations for continued growth. With a steadfast focus on delivering quality footwear and an exceptional customer experience, the family footwear chain has realigned its merchandising and digital strategies to navigate the evolving retail landscape. The organizational changes are being implemented to drive further growth and innovation while continuing to build on the company’s legacy.
Brian Burnett, senior vice president, GMM, has been promoted to senior vice president, Chief Merchandise Officer (CMO). In this expanded role, Burnett will lead the company’s product and merchandising strategies, driving innovation and ensuring alignment across vendor relations, inventory management, and product sourcing.
In addition, Molly Hartney, CMO, has been promoted to Chief Digital Officer (CDO). This newly created role underscores Rack Room Shoes’ focus on strengthening its digital presence and optimizing its digital sales portfolio to integrate the company’s marketing functions with its digital sales and omnichannel strategies.
“These strategic leadership changes and organizational realignments are pivotal in our ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance alignment,” states Mark Lardie, president and CEO of Rack Room Shoes. “Brian, with his deep understanding of consumer trends and merchandising excellence, and Molly, a creative marketing and digital innovator, are uniquely positioned to propel Rack Room Shoes forward. By optimizing our merchandising and digital strategies under their exceptional leadership, we are ensuring sustained success in a dynamic market.”
Burnett has been with Rack Room Shoes for nearly nine years, previously serving as GMM. He has developed key merchandising initiatives, introduced exclusive brand partnerships, and played a pivotal role in expanding core product categories to meet evolving customer demand. Hartney joined the company as CMO in 2021. She has transformed marketing into a competitive differentiator and after achieving a 40 percent increase in customer retention, will now spearhead Rack Room Shoes’ digital evolution. Her experience drove a 36 percent improvement in company productivity and positions her to lead the digital strategy and further enhance the company’s omnichannel presence.
Brian Burnett and Molly Hartney
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