The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Board of Directors has approved the appointment of David Zant as Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer. Mr. Zant will report to Bud Bergren, President and Chief Executive Officer, and will assume his new position January 1, 2005.
Mr. Zant, 48, comes to the Bon-Ton with more than 26 years of retail experience. Most recently, he held the post of Executive Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Women’s Apparel for Belk, Inc. In 2002, Mr. Zant was promoted to Executive Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Men’s Apparel and Home Furnishings for the entire corporation. Mr. Zant joined Belk’s in 2001 as the President of Belk Central Division. In this position, he managed the merchandising and marketing functions for Belk’s largest division. During his career, Mr. Zant also held senior merchandising positions with Saks, Inc. and Mercantile Stores Company, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Louisville.
Bud Bergren, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are extremely pleased to have an executive of David’s caliber and performance record join our senior management team. His experience will provide a valuable perspective to our strategic direction as we continue to combine the Bon-Ton/Elder-Beerman businesses and realize the shareholder value inherent in the merger. I look forward to working with David in the years ahead and maximizing the contributions he will make to our Company in the near and long term.”
