New Top Execs at Ross Stores, Draper James

Two retailers have announced new occupants for their corner offices:

• Ross Stores Inc. (Dublin, Calif.) said it has hired Boot Barn Holdings Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) CEO James Conroy.

and

• Draper James (New York), the lifestyle brand founded by Reese Witherspoon, said Jeannie Yoo came on board as CEO on Oct. 15.

At Ross, Conroy replaces Barbara Rentler, current CEO and Vice Chair, who will move to an advisory role as of Feb. 2, 2025.

Said Ross Stores Executive Chairman Michael Balmuth: “We are excited to welcome Jim [Conroy] to Ross as we build on our long history of profitable growth. Jim is a proven retail executive with a demonstrated record of developing and leading successful retail management teams and creating tremendous value for shareholders. We also are confident that Jim’s track record of leveraging customer-centric retail strategies to maximize top- and bottom-line results will help drive our company’s profitable growth and shareholder value over the near and long term.”

Jeannie Yoo, the new CEO at Draper James. Photo: Courtesy of Draper James

Meantime, at Draper James, Yoo stepped into her new role following a tenure as President of Adam Lippes, where she spent six years driving DTC and growth across all channels. Her career also includes stints at Coach and Michael Kors.

With Yoo at the helm, Draper James said it plans to accelerate its reach with new store openings, including a flagship in Charleston, S.C., and international extension within markets such as Mexico, Australia and the European Union.

“I’m inspired by Draper James’ core principles based on celebrating authenticity, Southern heritage, and community,” said Yoo. “Draper James has built something truly unique—an inclusive brand designed by women for women everywhere. I’m excited to step into this role and expand the brand’s mission of continually delivering quality products across various categories to always show up where the consumer needs them at every walk of life.”