Shoe Pavilion, Inc. announced the appointment of Neil Watanabe as its EVP and CFO reporting to CEO, Dmitry Beinus. Mr. Watanabe will be replacing John D. Hellmann, VP-finance and CFO, who resigned effective November 21, 2005, in order to remain in Northern California and spend more time with his family rather than continue his employment at the company's new principal executive offices in Southern California. Mr. Hellmann has agreed to continue to advise the company during the transition, as needed.
Mr. Watanabe will oversee the company's finance, investor relations, systems, human resources, legal, distribution operations as well as strategic planning, bringing over 25 years of retail financial and operational experience to his new role.
Mr. Watanabe, most recently served as EVP and CFO of Elizabeth Arden Spas and previously has served in the capacity of CFO for category leading retailers such as Petsmart, Inc., a Nasdaq company and Pic N Save Corp./Mac Frugal's Bargains – Close-outs Inc., a NYSE company. His background also includes serving in the capacity of COO for several specialty retailers, including Sears Health and Nutrition Centers and Motherhood Maternity Stores.
Mr. Watanabe received his B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles and is a Certified Public Accountant. In 1997, he was recognized for his contributions and accomplishments as the recipient of “Financial Executive of the Year” award from the Retail Financial Executive Organization of Southern California.
Mr. Beinus commented on Mr. Watanabe's retail background noting, “Neil is a seasoned leader who will add great depth to our management team. His substantial operating and management experience includes managing hundreds of retail locations in addition to managing the financial reporting of large public companies. I expect Neil to play a major role in helping Shoe Pavilion achieve its growth targets.”
