Steven S. Fishman became Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and President in July 2005. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Fishman was the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Restructuring
Officer of Rhodes, Inc., a furniture retailer. Rhodes, Inc. filed for
bankruptcy on November 4, 2004. Mr. Fishman was also Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Frank's Nursery & Crafts, Inc., a lawn and garden
specialty retailer, which filed for bankruptcy on September 8, 2004, and
President and Founder of SSF Resources, Inc., an investment and consulting
firm.
John C. Martin is responsible for the
Company's merchandising. Prior to joining the Company in 2003, Mr. Martin was
the President of Garden Ridge Corporation, an arts and crafts retailer. Garden
Ridge Corporation filed for bankruptcy on February 2, 2004. Mr. Martin also
served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Michaels Stores, Inc., an
arts and crafts retailer, and President, Retail Stores Division of OfficeMax
Incorporated, an office supply retailer.
Donald A. Mierzwa is responsible for the
Company's store operations, including store standards, customer service,
personnel development, program implementation, and execution. Mr. Mierzwa has
been with the Company since 1989 and has served as Executive Vice President of
Store Operations since 1999.
Brad A. Waite is responsible for human
resources, loss prevention, real estate, risk management, and administrative
services. Mr. Waite joined the Company in 1988 as Director of Employee
Relations and held various Human Resources management and senior management
positions prior to his promotion to Executive Vice President in July 2000.
Lisa M. Bachmann is responsible for the
Company's information technology, merchandise planning and merchandise
allocation functions. Ms. Bachmann joined the Company as Senior Vice President
of Merchandise Planning, Allocation and Presentation in March 2002, and was
promoted to her current role in August 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Ms.
Bachmann was Senior Vice President of Planning and Allocation at Ames
Department Stores, Inc., a discount retailer. Ames Department Stores, Inc.
filed for bankruptcy on August 20, 2001.
Joe R. Cooper was promoted to Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2004, and is responsible for
the Company's finance functions. He oversees treasury, tax and investor
relations, as well as the reporting, planning and control functions of the
business. Mr. Cooper joined the Company as Vice President of Strategic
Planning and Investor Relations in May 2000. In July 2000, he assumed
responsibility for the treasury department and was appointed Vice President,
Treasurer.
Charles W. Haubiel II is responsible for
the Company's legal affairs. He was promoted to Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary in November 2004. Mr. Haubiel joined the
Company in 1997 as Senior Staff Counsel and was promoted to Director,
Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary in 1999 and to Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 2000.
Kent A. Larsson is responsible for the
oversight of various special projects at the request of the Company's CEO.
Previously, Mr. Larsson was Senior Vice President, Marketing and was
responsible for marketing, merchandise presentation, sales promotion, and
public relations. Mr. Larsson joined the Company in 1988 as Vice President,
Sales Promotion and held various senior management positions in merchandising
and marketing prior to his current position.
Timothy A. Johnson is responsible for the
Company's strategic planning and investor relations functions. He was promoted
to Vice President, Strategic Planning and Investor Relations in February 2004.
He joined the company in 2000 as Director of Strategic Planning.
Paul A. Schroeder is responsible for
internal and external financial reporting and accounting operations including
payroll, accounts payable and inventory control. Mr. Schroeder joined the
Company as Director, Accounting Operations in April 2005, and was promoted to
Vice President, Controller in September 2005. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Schroeder was Director of Finance at American Signature, Inc., a furniture
retailer, and held various finance positions at Limited Brands, Inc., a
clothing and fashion retailer.
Birks Group Inc currently has 35 employees.
