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Chris Cramer, Claire’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer, has been named interim CEO following the resignation of Ryan Vero. He will continue as CFO and COO in addition to being interim CEO.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—The CEO of Claire’s Holdings LLC has stepped down, the company announced Monday.
Ryan Vero was named head of the accessories chain in 2019, joining Claire’s after serving as president of Party City Retail Group.
The retailer did not give a reason for his departure, which was effective immediately. He also will vacate his position on the company’s board of managers.
During Vero’s tenure, Claire’s worked to expand its reach by partnering with other retailers including Walgreens and Kohl’s.
It overhauled its marketing and gave its piercing business a trendy makeover, all in an attempt to be more appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
Vero also was head of the retailer when it announced plans to go public in late 2021, though it abandoned those plans in July 2023, citing market conditions.
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Ryan Vero was named head of the accessories chain in 2019, joining Claire’s after serving as president of Party City Retail Group.
The retailer did not give a reason for his departure, which was effective immediately. He also will vacate his position on the company’s board of managers.
During Vero’s tenure, Claire’s worked to expand its reach by partnering with other retailers including Walgreens and Kohl’s.
It overhauled its marketing and gave its piercing business a trendy makeover, all in an attempt to be more appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
Vero also was head of the retailer when it announced plans to go public in late 2021, though it abandoned those plans in July 2023, citing market conditions.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Ryan for his service to Claire’s,” said Samantha Algaze, chair of Claire’s board of managers.
“As we look ahead, Claire’s is poised to build on its position as a powerful, global fashion brand and a true destination for today’s consumer.”
Claire’s named Chris Cramer as interim CEO, effective immediately.
Cramer is the company’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer. He joined Claire’s late last year following a short stint as president of Parade Inc., an intimates brand tailored to Gen Z.
Prior to Parade, he spent a total of 20 years at Bath & Body Works and its parent company, L Brands. He served as both COO and CFO of Bath & Body Works.
“I am honored to serve as interim CEO and appreciate the board’s confidence and support at this important time for Claire’s,” Cramer said.
“I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and the board to build on the company’s recent momentum, strengthen our relationships with our customers, partners, and employees, and further realize our growth potential.”
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