Duluth Holdings today announced that Stephanie Pugliese resigned as president and chief executive officer and as a board member, effective as of August 29, 2019. The board of directors appointed Steve Schlecht, currently serving as the company’s executive chairman, to the role of CEO, effectively August 30, 2019.
“Stephanie has been an extraordinary business colleague for the past 11 years. Under her leadership, we have developed a thriving women’s business, expanded our retail footprint and built a strong omnichannel platform to better serve our customers. I want to thank Stephanie for her many contributions to Duluth Trading and wish her the very best of success in her new position,” said Schlecht.
“As the founder of Duluth Trading, I have a deep commitment to the ongoing success of our Company. To ensure the continuity of our vision and the execution of our strategy, I am fully invested in reassuming the role of its CEO until such a time that this important responsibility can be smoothly transitioned to the right person following a deliberate search process that will allow us to maintain our focus on our important fourth quarter,” he said.
Stephanie L. Pugliese commented, “It’s bittersweet to leave this amazing company and people. I especially owe so much to Steve, who has been my mentor and staunchest supporter. He has helped build the careers of many people like mine, and I hope to always make him proud as I move into the next chapter of my professional life.”
