Designer Brands appoints Sheamus Toal as chief financial officer

US-based footwear and accessories retailer Designer Brands Inc. has named Sheamus Toal as executive vice president, chief financial officer (CFO), and principal financial officer. Toal will officially join the company on February 16, 2026, taking over from Mark Haley, who has served as interim principal financial officer. Following the transition, Haley will return to his permanent role as senior vice president, controller, and principal accounting officer.

The appointment brings an executive with extensive experience in the omnichannel retail sector to the DBI leadership team. Toal has a career spanning several decades, during which he has managed complex financial operations, capital raises, and corporate reorganisations for both public and private entities.

Proven track record in retail operations

Toal joins the company from the US-based specialist apparel retailer The Children’s Place, where he served as chief operating officer and CFO. During his tenure, he was credited with strengthening liquidity and optimising the digital business model to achieve cost savings and earnings improvements.

His previous experience includes serving as executive vice president and CFO of the US-based e-commerce mattress company Saatva.com. Notably, Toal also spent more than 16 years at the US-based retailer New York & Company, where he held the position of CFO for 12 years before eventually serving as CEO.

Strategic focus on long-term growth

Doug Howe, the chief executive officer of Designer Brands, noted that Toal’s background in navigating corporate complexity and his experience with the investor community would be vital assets. The appointment aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to execute strategic initiatives and enhance stakeholder value.

Toal expressed his intent to partner across the organisation to strengthen financial and operational capabilities. His arrival comes at a time when the company is focused on its long-term growth strategy within a competitive footwear market.

Based in the US, Designer Brands operates as one of North America’s largest designers, producers, and retailers of footwear and accessories, most notably through its DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse banner.