Rack Room Appoints Chief Merchant and Chief Digital Officer

Rack Room Shoes has promoted Brian Burnett to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer (CMO) and Molly Hartney to chief digital officer (CDO).

Burnett has been with Rack Room Shoes for nearly nine years, previously serving as general merchandise manager before assuming his current role. He has “developed key merchandising initiatives, introduced exclusive brand partnerships and played a pivotal role in expanding core product categories to meet evolving customer demand,” said the retailer in a media release.

In his new role, Burnett will lead the company’s product and merchandising strategies, drive innovation and ensure alignment across vendor relations, inventory management and product sourcing.

Hartney joined the company as chief marketing officer in 2021. Her promotion to chief digital officer is a new position at the footwear chain. Rack Room said, “The newly created role underscores Rack Room Shoes’ focus on strengthening its digital presence and optimizing its digital sales portfolio to integrate the company’s marketing functions with its digital sales and omnichannel strategies.” Rack Room also said that “Hartney has transformed marketing into a competitive differentiator, achieving a 40 percent increase in customer retention and a 36 percent improvement in company productivity.”

“These strategic leadership changes and organizational realignments are pivotal in our ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance alignment,” said Mark Lardie, president and chief executive officer of Rack Room Shoes. “Brian, with his deep understanding of consumer trends and merchandising excellence, and Molly, a creative marketing and digital innovator, are uniquely positioned to propel Rack Room Shoes forward. By optimizing our merchandising and digital strategies under their exceptional leadership, we are ensuring sustained success in a dynamic market.”

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Rack Room Shoes operates over 520 stores nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands.

Images courtesy Rack Room Shoes