Rack Room Shoes promotes Brian Burnett and Molly Hartney

American footwear retailer Rack Room Shoes has promoted two key executives in its leadership team as it looks to realign its merchandising and digital strategies to “navigate the evolving retail landscape” for continued growth.

Brian Burnett, senior vice president, general merchandise manager has been promoted to chief merchandising officer. In his new expanded role, Burnett will lead the company’s product and merchandising strategies, drive innovation and ensure alignment across vendor relations, inventory management and product sourcing.

Burnett is a nine-year veteran with the company and has developed key merchandising initiatives, introduced exclusive brand partnerships and played a pivotal role in expanding core product categories to meet evolving customer demand.

Rack Room Shoes has also elevated Molly Hartney, chief marketing officer to the newly created role of chief digital officer to strengthen the retailer's digital presence and optimise digital sales. In her new role, Hartney will integrate the company’s marketing functions with its digital sales and omnichannel strategies.

Mark Lardie, president and chief executive officer of Rack Room Shoes, said in a statement: "These strategic leadership changes and organisational realignments are pivotal in our ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance alignment.

"Brian, with his deep understanding of consumer trends and merchandising excellence, and Molly, a creative marketing and digital innovator, are uniquely positioned to propel Rack Room Shoes forward. By optimising our merchandising and digital strategies under their exceptional leadership, we are ensuring sustained success in a dynamic market."

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based retailer is over 100 years old and operates more than 520 locations across the US under the banners Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse.