Vera Bradley CEO Jacqueline Ardrey to depart

Vera Bradley (VRA)announced that its CEO Jacqueline Ardrey is leaving the Company. The Board of Directors has launched a national search for Ms. Ardrey’s replacement. She will remain with the Company to aid in the transition until the end of July. Ms. Ardrey joined the Company in November 2022 and launched Project Restoration, a comprehensive strategic initiative to transform the Company’s business model and brand positioning. As a part of the announced leadership changes, Ian Bickley is assuming the role of Executive Chairman effective July 7, 2025. In this newly created role, Mr. Bickley will be taking an interim executive role to provide leadership and guidance during the CEO transition and will also be the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. The executive chairman role is expected to be a temporary role during the CEO transition. Mr. Bickley has extensive executive experience serving in numerous roles with Coach, including as President of the Company’s International Group. As a part of Mr. Bickley taking on the Executive Chairman role, current Board Chairman Robert Hall will be stepping down from the chairman role and will continue to serve as a Director on the Board. Additionally, the Company announced that it has hired a new CFO Martin “Marty” Layding who will assume the role of CFO beginning June 12, 2025. Mr. Layding has served as a CFO in various organizations including as divisional CFO for Tapestry’s Coach brand in addition to CFO roles at several private equity backed firms, including for the Supreme Brand. Current CFO Michael Schwindle has announced his departure from the Company, effective June 30, 2025, and will work closely with Mr. Layding during the transition period to ensure continuity of operations. The Board has also established a new Strategy and Transformation Committee to work closely with incoming leadership in shaping the Company’s strategic direction and future growth initiatives. The Committee is co-led by Mr. Bickley and Director Andrew Meslow, who also has significant executive experience, most recently as the CEO of Bath & Body Works and L Brands. Mr. Meslow will also be assuming the role of Lead Independent Director of the Company.