Specialty apparel retailer rue21 (Warrendale, Pa.) has hired Josh Burris as CEO. Burris replaces Bill Brand, who announced his intention to step down earlier this month.
Burris joins rue21 from vitamin/supplements retailer GNC, where he was CEO for the last two years, leading the company’s growth after a restructuring under new ownership. His career also includes working with or for such retail brands as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Calvin Klein Performance, Wilsons Leather and GH Bass & Co.
“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,” Burris said in a news release. “I’ve dedicated my career to building retail brands centered around the consumer and am excited to move rue21 forward and achieve new heights.”
rue21 currently operates more than 600 stores in 45 states across the U.S.