Ross Stores Announces Changes in Merchandising Leadership

Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today announced merchandising leadership changes that the company believes will enhance the successful execution of its off-price strategies and drive profitable market share gains in the near and long term. Effective December 1, 2024:

• Karen Fleming is promoted to President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Ross Dress for Less, and will continue to report directly to Barbara Rentler, Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Fleming currently serves as President and Chief Merchandising Officer of dd’s DISCOUNTS and is responsible for directing all aspects of merchandising at dd’s. In her new role, Ms. Fleming will oversee merchandising responsibilities at Ross Dress for Less.
• Karen Sykes will become President and Chief Merchandising Officer, dd’s DISCOUNTS, also reporting directly to Barbara Rentler, Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Sykes will replace Ms. Fleming upon her promotion. Ms. Sykes currently serves as Executive Vice President, Merchandising, overseeing Men’s and Children’s at Ross Dress for Less. In her new role, Ms. Sykes will lead all aspects of merchandising at dd’s.

In her remarks, Chief Executive Officer Barbara Rentler said, “We are very pleased to announce the promotions of these two extremely talented senior executives. Karen Fleming is a talented and experienced executive with more than two decades with our company, having served in various leadership roles at both Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS. I am excited for Karen as she takes on this new role leading the merchandising efforts for the entire Ross Dress for Less chain. Karen Sykes is an accomplished merchandiser with more than three decades of experience within our organization. I am excited about Karen’s well-deserved promotion to lead the dd’s DISCOUNTS merchandising team. I believe her deep knowledge of the off-price business and proven leadership skills will drive continued profitable growth at dd’s.”