Build-A-Bear shuffles execs
-- Playthings, 3/13/2009 1:14:00 PM
ST. LOUIS—Build-A-Bear Workshop has appointed of John N. Haugh to the newly created position of president and chief marketing and merchandising bear, effective March 16, 2009.
The make-your-own plush company also announced that effective immediately Tina Klocke has been named chief operations and financial bear. Klocke will assume formal responsibility for store operations in addition to her continuing role as chief financial bear.
“With Tina leading our store teams and John heading up marketing, merchandising and strategic planning, our management team is fully aligned to work collaboratively to manage our business as we strengthen our entertainment offerings, including Buildabearville.com our virtual world,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop chairman and chief executive bear.
Haugh, 46, will Build-A-Bear Workshop’s marketing, merchandising and strategic planning teams and support functions to drive sales growth and profitability.
“John has a tremendous track record of brand building and a unique blend of marketing, merchandising, product development and licensing experience that spans the retail, hospitality, entertainment and consumer products industries,” said Clark.
According to Clark, BBW created Haugh's position combining the role of president with leadership of its marketing, merchandising and strategic planning teams "to reflect John’s role in leading our intensified company-wide focus on driving sales growth through results oriented multi-channel brand-building strategies.”
Haugh most recently served as president of It’s Sugar, a candy and confectionery retailer. From 2004 through 2007, he served as president of Mars Retail Group where he led all retail business operations for Mars Inc., including the retail expansion of M&M’s World. Haugh’s bio also includes stints at Payless ShoeSource and Universal Studios.
Klocke, 49, joined Build-A-Bear Workshop as chief financial bear in 1997 as part of the company’s founding team. Her new position formalizes the oversight of the store operations team she assumed in October 2008. In addition to store operations, her responsibilities continue to include the finance and accounting, investor relations and public relations functions.
The executive changes follow the firing of former Build-A-Bear Workshop president Scott Seay after a 2008 third quarter in which the retailer's same-store sales fell 14 percent and reports early this year of layoffs among the company's headquarters staff.
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