Hanna Andersson Gets New CEO
Joelle Maher will join Hanna Andersson as president and CEO, effective May 30, 2017.
Maher brings a distinguished 25 plus year track record of leadership and achievement in multi-channel global retail businesses to Hanna Andersson. Over the course of her career, Maher has held senior leadership positions at Gymboree Corporation, Levi Strauss & Company, Lucky Brand Jeans, Old Navy and Macy's East, most recently serving as president and chief member officer at Sears Holdings Corporation. Through this vast experience, she has demonstrated extensive operational and strategic leadership including building customer-focused brands across channels, enhancing digital capabilities and bringing a data-centric approach to serving customers, and overseeing all operations and strategy for global multi-billion dollar businesses.
In her new role as president and chief executive of the premium children's apparel and lifestyle brand, Maher will drive initiatives to accelerate growth, including extending the brand's reach to new customers, deepening the company's e-commerce capabilities, and continuing to build the brand across all channels. Maher will be based in Portland, Ore., where Hanna Andersson is headquartered.
Maher will succeed Adam Stone, who joined Hanna Andersson in 2005 and led the company as CEO since 2010. During his tenure, Stone continued to develop the brand, transforming the business from a catalog company into a highly successful omnichannel retailer with a strong e-commerce presence and 80 retail locations.
"I have long admired Hanna Andersson, and I am delighted to join at this exciting time for the company," Maher said. "Hanna Andersson has a deep emotional connection with customers, who are fiercely loyal to — and constant promoters of — the brand, which I have found to be critical for any concept to achieve sustained success. As a result, Hanna Andersson has established itself as one of the most prominent and fastest growing premium names in children's apparel. I look forward to working closely with the entire leadership team and the company's talented employees as we grow the brand and create an even larger base of passionate customers and promoters of our story."
"It is bittersweet to make the decision to step away from Hanna Andersson — a company, brand and group of people I care so deeply about," said Stone. "I could not be more proud of the work the outstanding Hanna Andersson team has done to set the foundation for the future, and while it was a difficult decision, the time is right for me to pursue the next chapter in my personal and professional life. I am thrilled that Joelle, a talented and accomplished executive, will lead Hanna Andersson into the future, and I'm confident the company will thrive under her leadership."