Charlotte, NC-based family chain Rack Room Shoes announced Molly Hartney has succeeded industry marketing veteran Jan Mauldin as vice president-Chief Marketing Officer. Mauldin, who spearheaded the 515-store chain (including off Broadway Shoe Warehouse doors) long-term commitment to shining a spotlight on its customers through its Real People initiative, retired after nearly two decades of service with Rack Room Shoes. Additionally, Rack Room Shoes has promoted Scott Baldt to vice president, Digital Sales and Experience, and named Brenda Christmon as senior director of Brand Communications.
As CMO, Hartney is responsible for defining and executing the overall creative marketing strategy, establishing a strong consumer connection, and creating a marketing vision for the brand’s future. Hartney has nearly 15 years of experience in retail and consumer products. She has held executive marketing positions with Funko, Lowe’s Home Improvement and ATGstores.com, leading digital marketing transformations, go-to-market strategies and customer relationship management.
In his new position, Baldt will create and implement company strategies to maximize digital sales revenue, profitability and loyalty to targeted customers using customer behavior and engagement information. Previously, he was senior director of Omni-Channel for Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse.
As senior director of Brand Communications, Christmon is responsible for defining the brand’s corporate communications, public relations strategies and social responsibility initiatives while leading the newly developed diversity and inclusion efforts across the brand. Her previous role was director of Corporate Communications for the retailer. In her new role, Christmon will also develop the company’s DEI plan, spearheading a commitment to spend $2 million on diversity efforts to combat social injustices towards Blacks and other minorities.
“Molly is a results-driven business leader with a passion for building strong brands that resonate with consumers,” states Mark Lardie, president and CEO of Rack Room Shoes. “Scott’s omni-channel expertise and deep knowledge of our core customer position him well to drive our digital sales and experience as we continue to deliver accelerated growth in this segment. Brenda’s innovative approach to creating a thriving corporate culture and diligent guarding of our fundamental principles warranted her elevated role to benefit our brands, associates and customers. I am pleased and excited to have such talented executives in these new leadership roles, deepening our connections with our core customers and associates whenever and however they interact with our brands.”
Molly Harney, vice president-Chief Marketing Officer
Scott Baldt, vice president, Digital Sales and Experience
Brenda Christmon as senior director of Brand Communications