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Katherine Lawther Krill's profile picture

Katherine Lawther Krill

Also Known As Kay Krill

CEO of ANN

Education

  • B.A. in psychology and economics - Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia

Overview

Katherine "Kay" Krill was the President and Chief Executive Officer of ANN INC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ascena Retail Group from 2000 - 2015. ANN INC. comprises several leading women's specialty and apparel retail brands. It operates 1,034 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT, LOFT Outlet and Lou & Grey stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and online.

Career :

2015 marked Krill's tenth anniversary as CEO of ANN INC., a position she assumed eleven years after she joined the company. She was named President of ANN INC. and a member of the Board of Directors in 2004. During her tenure, Krill established ANN INC. as a financially successful company and helped evolve the Ann Taylor brand. She has been credited with the development and growth of the company's LOFT concept, which she launched in 1998. LOFT's business now exceeds $1.5 billion and continues to be one of the fastest-growing concepts in women's apparel. Under Krill's leadership, the company launched another new brand, Lou & Grey, in 2014. In 2015, Krill transitioned from President and CEO of ANN INC. to Ascena's Board of Directors. 

Krill also successfully steered ANN INC. through the 2008 recession, restoring its share price to the mid-40 range after the global economic downturn drove the stock as low as $3. In 2014, she increased ANN INC.'s sales 2% to $2.5 billion, rebounding 36% from fiscal year 2010. Most recently, she led ANN INC. through its successful sale to Ascena in August 2015.

Krill joined ANN INC. in 1994 as Merchandising Vice President. She was subsequently promoted to Senior Vice President of Merchandising. One year after launching LOFT, Krill was named Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Design for LOFT; and in 2001, she became the President of the LOFT division. Prior to ANN INC., Krill served at Talbots and Mark Shale. She began her career at Macy's.

Career

  • ANN - CEO

Recognition

In 2013 The Breast Cancer Research Foundation awarded Krill the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award, acknowledging that, under her guidance, ANN INC., has been one of the most committed and vocal supporters of BCRF. That same year, Krill was honored at the Fashion Institute of Technology's Annual Gala for her contributions to the fashion industry.

Other honors include St. Jude's 2012 Corporate Partner of the Year award, which Krill accepted on behalf of ANN INC. In 2012, Krill delivered remarks at her alma mater's 123rd Commencement, where she received an honorary doctorate degree. She was also a 2011 honoree at the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York's 36th Annual Smart Cookie Gala.

Crain's has consistently recognized Krill as one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in New York" from 2007 through 2015.

Reference

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