The fashion retailer, Rue21 announced the addition of Elisa Bannon-Jones as the new Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer, and the promotion of Michele Pascoe to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Elisa Bannon-Jones steps into her role at rue21 with an impressive track record as a nationally recognized HR executive. Her extensive experience includes previous tenures as Chief People Officer at GNC, Pep Boys / Icahn Automotive Group, and Frontier Communications.
Her accolades include the HRO's 2020 Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year Award and the 2023 Leader of Distinction Award. Bannon-Jones is also a Certified Executive Coach and Development Dimension International (DDI) Certified Facilitator, qualifications that underscore her commitment to fostering positive workplace cultures and driving strategic human resources initiatives.
Bannon-Jones's appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to rue21's efforts in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development. Her early career in retail field leadership positions and diverse industry background will be instrumental in transforming rue21's retail business. "I am excited to join the rue21 team, and eager to contribute to fostering a culture of innovation, engagement, and inclusivity that empowers our team and drives success in 2024 and beyond," said Bannon-Jones.
Michele Pascoe, who has been with rue21 for five years, previously serving as Senior Vice President, CFO, now steps up as Executive Vice President. In her expanded role, she will also oversee the legal function of the company. Pascoe's decades of executive leadership experience in finance across various industries, including roles as CFO at Marsh Supermarkets and Fashion Bug, have been integral to rue21's business transformation.
"I am honored to take on this new role as rue21 continues to evolve," Pascoe commented. "We are strategically positioned to capitalize on new opportunities in our segment, and I look forward to helping Josh and the team deliver continued growth for years to come."
Josh Burris, President and CEO of rue21, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Elisa Bannon-Jones to rue21, and congratulate Michele Pascoe on her expanded role in our executive leadership team.
"These appointments reflect our commitment to assembling a best-in-class leadership team. Elisa's track record of success will be critical to our efforts to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Elisa joining, combined with Michele's strategic financial leadership, will undoubtedly help continue the positive momentum in our business," said Burris.
rue21 remains a fashion destination that promises quality styles at accessible prices, offering a vast selection of products, sizes, and trends that cater to every personality and budget. With approximately 600 US stores in 45 states and an online presence, the company is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation under the guidance of its strengthened leadership team.
