Cranberry-based retailer rue21 names interim CEO
Cranberry-based teen retailer rue21 has announced changes at the top.
Michael Appel has returned to his consulting practice and will no longer serve as chairman of the board and CEO of r21 Holdings Inc., the clothing chain’s parent company.
John Fleming has been named interim CEO of rue21, according to the company. The board also named Scott D. Vogel as chairman.
Mr. Fleming has been a board member since October 2017. He has held executive positions at Dayton Hudson, Walmart and
Uniqlo and previously served as an adviser and board member for StitchFix. He currently serves on the boards of Bed Bath & Beyond, Visual Comfort & Company and Untuckit.
“Contrary to the view that the apocalypse of retail is imminent, this is an exciting time to build relationships and serve customers,” said Mr. Fleming in the company’s announcement. “Given the momentum we have at rue21, I’m excited by the opportunity to accelerate our business by modernizing our model and delivering value to our customers by building a seamless and personalized experience.”
Rue21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2017. It emerged in September the same year.
Mr. Appel had served as interim CEO from October 2017 to June 2018. He was named chief executive effective Nov. 12, 2018. He succeeded Laurie Van Brunt, who served as president and CEO.
Last fall, after two years of refocusing itself, the fastfashion apparel purveyor opened its first store since emerging from bankruptcy at the Mall at Robinson. Rue21 operates 690 stores in 45 states.