Vestis Retail Group, LLC, which operates Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob's Stores, said James Petty will replace Mark Walsh as its chief executive officer, effective July 8. Petty most recently served as president of retail stores for Carter's Inc., which generates more than $800 million in annual sales from 485 stores. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Limited Too and Gap, Inc.
Vestis is owned by affiliates of private equity firm Versa Capital Management, LLC, where Walsh serves as a managing director. He will remain chairman of Vestis.
“We're pleased to welcome Jim Petty to Vestis, and believe he is the right leader for the company at this point in time,” said Walsh.
Petty is a seasoned retail executive, most recently serving as president of retail stores for Carter's Inc., with oversight of key national brands (OshKosh, Carter's) that are sold in 485 stores and generate over $800 million in annual sales. Prior to Carter's, Petty held senior roles at Limited Too and Gap, Inc.
“I am pleased we have attracted a person of Jim's talent and experience to help guide Bob's and EMS to the next level of growth and success,” said Gregory L. Segall, CEO for Versa. “This is a long-planned and natural leadership transition at this stage of Vestis's development. Over the past five years, Mark has done a tremendous job in realizing the potential at Bob's and he led the acquisition and initial transformation at EMS, positioning it for growth. We're looking forward to Mark's contributions to our existing and future investments in the Versa portfolio of companies.”
“We're pleased to welcome Jim Petty to Vestis, and believe he is the right leader for the company at this point in time,” said Walsh.
Petty is a seasoned retail executive, most recently serving as president of retail stores for Carter's Inc., with oversight of key national brands (OshKosh, Carter's) that are sold in 485 stores and generate over $800 million in annual sales. Prior to Carter's, Petty held senior roles at Limited Too and Gap, Inc.
“I am pleased we have attracted a person of Jim's talent and experience to help guide Bob's and EMS to the next level of growth and success,” said Gregory L. Segall, CEO for Versa. “This is a long-planned and natural leadership transition at this stage of Vestis's development. Over the past five years, Mark has done a tremendous job in realizing the potential at Bob's and he led the acquisition and initial transformation at EMS, positioning it for growth. We're looking forward to Mark's contributions to our existing and future investments in the Versa portfolio of companies.”
As chairman, Walsh will support Petty on the future strategic direction of the brands.
Petty will be based in the Meriden, CT headquarters of Vestis.
