Herbert Mines Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Claire’s Holdings

July 24, 2023 – New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has helped to recruit Claudia Lima-Guinehut as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Claire’s Holdings in Hoffman Estates, IL. “Our product takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary for our consumers every day, and we are thrilled that Claudia is joining the team to help continue our legacy as an inviting place where people can experience the joy of self-expression,” said Ryan Vero, CEO.
With a track record of more than 20 years of creating compelling multichannel product offerings, Ms. Lima-Guinehut will be an integral part of the team as Claire’s continues to deliver stylish and on-trend product offerings, said the company. She will lead Claire’s Holdings’ global merchandising, sourcing, and design strategy as well as the brand’s industry-leading piercing business.
Ms. Lima-Guinehut previously served as SVP, global merchandising and strategic partnerships at The Children’s Place Inc., where she was responsible for creating and delivering product strategies for all brands across multiple channels of distribution, as well as leading operations for wholesale and international franchise businesses from 2014 to 2023. Prior to that, she was director of international merchandising for Destination Maternity from 2011 until 2014 and held roles of increasing responsibility at Zara, Camuto Group, Ralph Lauren and Fifth & Pacific Companies.
“I’m excited to join Claire’s to continue the tradition of bringing the brand’s beloved consumers, especially younger generations, global fashion product and piercing serves that continue to excite them and further drive the business,” said Ms. Lima-Guinehut.
Related: Herbert Mines Recruits Chief Merchant Officer for Merrell
Claire’s is a global brand powerhouse for self-expression, creating exclusive, curated and fun fashionable jewelry and accessories, and offering world-leading piercing services. The company operates under two brand names: Claire’s and ICING.
Veteran Recruiters
Established in 1978, Herbert Mines is a specialist search firm focusing on the retail, fashion and apparel, beauty, consumer products and services, hospitality, leisure, restaurant, and digital/technology industries. The firm is noted for its C-suite recruiting work. Herbert Mines has had upwards of 3,600 searches during the tenure of Hal Reiter, who joined the firm in 1993 as president, and was appointed chairman and chief executive officer in 1998.
Herbert Mines Associates Places Chief Marketing Officer for Kravet Inc.
Herbert Mines Associates has helped to place Suzanne Cohen as the new chief marketing officer for home furnishings company Kravet Inc. As the newest member of the executive team, Ms. Cohen will report to Cary Kravet, president and CEO. With two decades of experience, she will lead the marketing team in brand strategy, digital performance, customer engagement, licensing initiatives, and more. “Marketing needs to have an ascendant role in our company while embedding itself broadly and deeply into most functional disciplines,” said Mr. Kravet.
Brenda Malloy is the firm’s president. She brings over 40 years of experience to Herbert Mines Associates. During her career, she has authored numerous articles on retail CEO succession, omnichannel leadership, in addition to being a featured speaker at the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York City. Working with leading retailers at the senior most levels to assemble winning leadership teams, Ms. Malloy primarily recruits board directors, CEOs, and their direct reports for publicly traded, privately held and private equity backed companies spanning vertical specialty, lifestyle and branded retail, off-price/value, grocery, hardlines, mass, and the specialty department store sectors.
In March, Herbert Mines Associates placed Denise Magid to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer for Bloomingdale’s. Ms. Magid, who was promoted from her role as a general merchandising manager, is charged with driving the strategic direction and performance of all of the luxury department store chain’s merchandising initiatives. Her responsibilities involve building and enhancing new and existing partnerships, expanding the brand matrix and product assortment, and ultimately influencing the future growth of the Bloomingdale’s brand, said the retailer. Ms. Magid reports to Bloomingdale’s chairman and CEO Tony Spring.
The creation of the chief merchant role is a historic step for Bloomingdale’s and allows the brand to build on the momentum coming off its strong 2022 performance and its 150th anniversary celebration. “We are confident that Denise’s vision and leadership will continue to strengthen our relationships with our brand partners and further refine how we can cater to the unique needs of the Bloomingdale’s customer,” said Mr. Spring. “We look forward to Denise’s impact in this newly created role.”
Related: Herbert Mines Associates Recruits CEO for Walden Local Meat Co.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media