Kirk Palmer Associates Fills CEO Post for Chico’s FAS
October 8, 2025 – Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has placed Trish Donnelly as division chief executive officer of Chico’s FAS, the women’s wear retailer owned by the KnitWell Group. The search was led by managing director, Jaimee Marshall. Ms. Donnelly will oversee all product and customer-facing functions for the Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market brands, while also leading the day-to-day operations of KnitWell Group’s Fort Myers campus in Florida.
“Trish is an exceptional leader with a proven record of success and is widely respected for uniting teams around a shared vision and for delivering results,” said Lizanne Kindler, executive chair and CEO of KnitWell Group, who has been overseeing the division. “Her passion for retail and dedication to customers are truly unmatched. We are excited for the impact we know she and our talented associates will create together.”
Most recently, Ms. Donnelly served as president of The Row. Over the course of her career, she also served as CEO of Calvin Klein Global and PVH North America. Ms. Donnelly also spent seven years at Urban Outfitters, ultimately rising to global CEO of the Urban Outfitters Group and held senior leadership roles at Steven Alan, J.Crew, Cole Haan and Ralph Lauren.
“Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market are iconic American brands within a portfolio of some of the most recognized women’s fashion retailers worldwide,” Ms. Donnelly said. “The opportunities ahead are extraordinary, and I look forward to partnering with the teams to write the next chapter of growth and success for our brands.”
Since its founding in 1987, Kirk Palmer Associates has grown globally, helping retailers hire CEOs, presidents, and front-of-house executives spanning a wide array of marketing, merchandising, stores, sales, e-commerce, and digital leadership roles. Kirk Palmer Associates is made up of retail and fashion industry veterans. The firm’s partners have placed more than 1,000 CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, and other senior executives at over 200 retail and wholesale companies across all channels, sectors, and functional areas.
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As managing partner at Kirk Palmer Associates, Ms. Marshall works with brands, boards, founders and the private equity community to connect a trusted network of c-level professionals with leading companies. Prior to joining the firm in 2006, she had a diverse 20+ year career in strategy, marketing and digital roles within global fashion and publishing companies.
PetSmart Search
Kirk Palmer Associates recently recruited Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of PetSmart. Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer led the assignment. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” said Ken Hicks, president and CEO of PetSmart. “She has led teams through significant business and process transformations, while delivering strong business results and her expertise will be invaluable as we work to advance our long-range plan.”
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Ms. Duarte brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the retail, grocery, beauty, and food and beverage industries. Most recently, she served as group vice president of national merchandising for Albertsons Companies. Prior to that, Ms. Duarte spent nearly 12 years at Walmart in various leadership roles including vice president of private brands for general merchandise at Walmart U.S., vice president of product development and sourcing for home at Walmart U.S., and chief merchandising and marketing officer for Walmart Chile.
PetSmart is a retail chain specializing in pet products, services, and solutions for a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and small pets. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company operates hundreds of stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Related: Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits CEO for Escalade
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
