Modell’s Sporting Goods promoted Charles Castaneda to a new role as chief merchandising officer. Jay OBrien becomes general merchandise manager (GMM) of Sporting Goods and Jeff Schaffer takes over as GMM of footwear.

Castaneda was executive vice president of planning and allocations.  Castaneda started with Modells in December 2010 and has been instrumental in improvements involving Modells inventory management systems   He came to Modells with vast knowledge of the retail industry and used his experience to help develop and enhance the planning, allocation, and replenishment systems and strategies.  Working closely with the GMMs, stores, and our vendors, he has worked tirelessly to improve Modells processes, helping to ensure the right merchandise is in the right place at the right time. 

Charles has been a great asset since he joined the team over 2 years ago and we look forward to an exciting 2013 and beyond as he leads our merchandising, planning and allocation group, said Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modells Sporting Goods.

With the departure of Bill Hackett, who has left the company for another opportunity, Jay OBrien moved into the role of GMM of Sporting Goods. OBrien has been with Modells since 2007, most recently as the GMM of Footwear, and has behind him over 25 years of  industry experience. 

In addition, Jeff Schaffer has been promoted to the GMM of Footwear, where his career with Modells spans over 17 years.  Schaffer has performed beyond his goals as the Mens and Cleats buyer in 2012.