The J. Jill Group (Quincy, Mass.) has announced the hiring of Robert Dakin as vp of retail store operations.
Dakin had most recently been executive vp and director of stores for Brooks Brothers (New York), where he was responsible for all areas of operation, including field organization, visual merchandising, real estate, construction and store openings. Prior to Brooks Brothers, Dakin was senior vp, director of stores at Ann Taylor (New York).
According to J. Jill, Dakin will be responsible for managing the company's retail store operations, including the field organization, “and ensuring brand cohesiveness during the ongoing retail store rollout.” The former catalog house for affluent women ages 35 to 55 currently has 50 retail stores, but has aggressive plans to open as many as 500. Dakin will report to president Dennis Adomaitis.