Rue21 names Josh Burris as chief executive officer

Casual women's retailer Rue21 announced on Monday the appointment of Josh Burris as its chief executive officer and member of the board.

He replaces Bill Brand, who announced earlier this month plans to step down as CEO. Brand first joined the company as CEO in October 2020.

Burris joins Rue21 with more than 25 years of experience leading consumer-focused retail brands. Most recently, as CEO at GNC, he lead the company's transformational growth after a successful restructuring under new ownership. In this role, he is also credited for reviving GNC's consumer-centric strategy and establishing partnerships nationwide.

Beyond GNC, his leadership and expertise is behind the development, go-to market strategies, and adoption of brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Calvin Klein Performance, Wilsons Leather, and GH Bass & Co, among others.

"I'm honored to be joining Rue21 as CEO," said Burris. "As a brand, Rue21 serves the most vibrant and fastest-growing segments focused on affordable fashion that's accessible to all, making it well positioned for growth. I've dedicated my career to building retail brands centered around the consumer and am excited to move rue21 forward and achieve new heights.”

Headquartered just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Warrendale, Rue21 currently operates over 600 U.S. stores in 45 states and online at Rue21.com.

"We're thrilled that Josh has agreed to join Rue21 as its next CEO," added Vuk Djunic, partner, Blue Torch Capital, an owner of Rue21 along with Southpaw Asset Management and Pentwater Capital Management.

"Josh has decades of experience transforming popular consumer-facing brands which makes him best equipped to lead Rue21 into its next chapter."

Rue21 names Josh Burris as chief executive officer

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