Stuart Clifford has been promoted to fill the role of CFO
SAVANNAH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 16, 2018--
Citi Trends Inc. (NASDAQ: CTRN) today announced that Bruce Smith, acting
Chief Executive Officer, has been promoted to serve as the permanent
Chief Executive Officer and has been appointed to the Board of
Directors, effective as of March 15, 2018.
Mr. Smith has been serving as acting CEO since March 2017, when the
previous CEO resigned, while the Board conducted a search for a
permanent CEO. Mr. Smith has been with Citi Trends for almost 11 years.
He joined the company in April 2007 as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer in March 2010, and was promoted to Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary in March 2015. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Smith served as CFO of two other public
companies, Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and Fred’s, Inc. He started his career
in public accounting with Price Waterhouse and is a certified public
accountant.
Commenting on Mr. Smith’s promotion, Ed Anderson, Executive Chairman of
the Board said, “We are very happy and proud to announce that Bruce
Smith has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer. In the past year, as
acting CEO, he has clearly demonstrated that he has the leadership
skills to lead this company. He led the team to deliver a very
successful 2017.”
Anderson further stated, “Over the years, Bruce has proven to be an
executive who leads by example, exhibiting the highest level of honesty
and integrity. I am confident that the Company is in good hands with
Bruce. This is a great day for Citi Trends, and under his direction and
leadership, I remain optimistic about the future of our Company.”
In addition, Stuart Clifford, the Company’s Vice President, Finance, has
been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
effective as of March 15, 2018. Mr. Clifford has been with the Company
for 12 years. Prior to joining Citi Trends, Mr. Clifford served in
various financial and operational positions with Friedman’s Jewelers.
Commenting on Mr. Clifford’s promotion, Mr. Smith said, “On behalf of
the Citi Trends team, I would like to congratulate Stuart on this
well-deserved promotion. I am very excited to continue working with
Stuart as our new Chief Financial Officer. He has continued to earn
increasing responsibilities during his time with the Company and has
demonstrated that he is fully capable of taking on this new leadership
role. With his experience and deep understanding of our business, Stuart
is well suited to lead our finance team.”
About Citi Trends
Citi
Trends, Inc. is a value-priced retailer of urban fashion apparel and
accessories for the entire family. The Company operates 553 stores
located in 31 states. Citi Trends’ website address is www.cititrends.com.
CTRN-G
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Source: Citi Trends Inc.
Citi Trends, Inc.
Bruce Smith, 912-443-2075
Chief Executive
Officer