Business
Vera Bradley Continues Board Refreshment with Appointment of Andrew Meslow, Former CEO of Bath and Body Works
Long-Time Board Member Mary Lou Kelley Announces Retirement FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley (NASDAQ: VRA) (the “Company”)
About this update from Vera Bradley, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Long-Time Board Member Mary Lou Kelley Announces Retirement\nFORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley (NASDAQ: VRA) (the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Andrew Meslow, former CEO of L Brands and Bath and Body Works, to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Mr. Meslow joins the Board most recently from L Brands and Bath and Body Works, where he was CEO. Prior to becoming CEO, Andrew held the role of COO at Bath & Body Works, leading several functional areas of the business, including finance, merchandise planning, store operations and the direct channel. He joined L Brands in 2003, working in roles at Victoria’s Secret and the corporate group before moving to Bath & Body Works in 2005 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to joining L Brands, Andrew held senior leadership positions at Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. Frances Philip, Lead Independent Director of the Board and Chair of its Nominating and Governance Committee, noted, “We are excited to have Andrew Meslow, a seasoned senior retail executive, join the Board. His track record of driving operational excellence at some of the world’s best specialty retail brands, as well as public company CEO experience, will make him an outstanding addition as we continue to nurture the green shoots of Project Restoration.” Further, long-time board member Mary Lou Kelley is retiring from the Company’s board of Directors, effective February 7, 2025. Ms. Kelley joined the Company’s Board in 2015 and has served as a member on all of the Company’s committees during her tenure, overseeing the Company’s business with insights stemming from the wealth of deep retail, marketing and E-commerce experience she possesses. Robert Hall, Chairman of the Vera Bradley board of Directors, commented, “Mary Lou has been an important member of the Company’s Board of Directors over the past decade. Her thoughtful insights on our strategy and extensive experience in retail and E-Commerce have made her a valuable member of our board. On behalf of the board and the entire Company, I want to thank her for her dedicated service. Ms. Kelley noted, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on the Vera Bradley board and I have no doubt that Vera Bradley has a bright future ahead.” The Company is served by 8 remaining Board members with...