Executive Changes at Hot Topic and Wet Seal

Hot Topic Inc. (City of Industry, Calif.) announced that Betsy McLaughlin has resigned as ceo and a member of the company’s board of directors. The teen retailer has appointed Lisa Harper, a current board member, ceo, effective immediately, while McLaughlin will assist in transition matters for the next three months.

Another specialty retailer, The Wet Seal Inc. (Foothill Ranch, Calif.), has named Ken Seipel as president and coo, overseeing store operations, information technology, real estate, construction, merchandise planning and allocation functions. Seipel will serve in his new post through March 28, 2014, and report to ceo Susan McGalla.

He joins the company after serving most recently as the president and chief merchandise/marketing officer of Pamida Discount Stores LLC, a regional general merchandise discount retailer with 200 stores. His career also includes posts at the Old Navy division of Gap Inc., Target Corp., Shopko Stores Inc. and JCPenney Co.

“Ken’s industry expertise and credentials, combined with his operational excellence, are an ideal fit for Wet Seal’s next phase of growth in the teen and young contemporary market,” says McGalla. “I am thrilled to welcome Ken to the team and look forward to partnering with him as we continue to build upon the strong foundation and success at Wet Seal today.”