SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass.-The Yankee Candle Company has promoted Deborah Norris to vice president and general merchandise manager for merchandise planning and allocation. In addition, Hope Margala Klein, senior vice president of brand, design and innovation, will assume responsibility for the gift and accessory development teams.
Norris reports to Steve Farley, president of retail, and is now responsible for the company’s retail planning and allocation, category management, visual merchandising, store marketing and promotions, as well as its consumer direct business. Previously, she served as vice president of consumer direct, fundraising and outlet businesses. Norris, who joined Yankee in 2001, also previously served as vice president of retail finance and planning.
“Throughout her tenure at Yankee Candle, Deb has demonstrated a unique, flexible yet results-oriented leadership style allowing her to successfully drive revenue growth in her channels and keep teams motivated,” said CEO Harlan Kent. “She will be instrumental as we evolve the company and continue to focus on creating and implementing industry-leading retail business practices.”
Yankee, in an effort to continue driving market growth and innovation, has enhanced and streamlined its gift and accessory product assortment teams, consolidating them under the leadership of Margala Klein, the company said. Margala Klein reports to Kent.
The company made two additional appointments to key senior management positions. Ben Menezes was named vice president, wholesale finance and operations, after previously holding a similar position in the company’s retail division. He reports to Mike Thorne, president of wholesale. Steve Richardson was named as vice president, retail finance and fundraising, after holding a similar position in the wholesale division. Richardson reports to Farley. In addition to furthering the development of key employees, these appointments will enhance cross-functional alignment between the company’s business divisions, Yankee said.