Shelley Broader Departs Walmart to Lead Chico's FAS as Pres./CEO

Shelley Broader is leaving the world's largest retailer to lead one of the nation's leading omni-channel retailers of women's private brand clothing, intimates and accessories.

Broader, most recently president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Europe, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Canada (EMEA) region, which comprised 1,345 retail units and more than 285,000 associates, will join Fort Meyers, Fla.-based Chico's FAS as president and CEO, effective Dec. 1, at which time she will also join her new employer's board as vice chair.

Named to succeed David F. Dyer at Chico's FAS – whose banners include its namesake, as well as White House|Black Market, Soma and Boston Proper – Broader boasts more than 25 years of experience leading premier global and regional retail businesses, including Walmart, Michael's Stores, and several banners with Delhaize Group.

Prior to her most recent role at Walmart, Broader – who was named as a PG Top Women in Grocery in 2007 – served as president and CEO of Walmart Canada, CMO for Walmart Canada and SVP for Sam's Club, Walmart's U.S. membership-warehouse format.

Noting her "remarkable track record, global perspective and keen understanding of how to engage consumers and partner with suppliers to drive profitable growth in a competitive retail environment," David F. Walker, chairman of Chico's FAS, said Broader was selected after an extensive search. "Shelley distinguished herself as our top choice, having the extensive retail industry expertise, leadership skills and appreciation for superior service that we believe will take Chico's FAS and each of our brands into our next phase of growth and value creation."

Prior to joining Walmart in 2010, Broader was president and COO of Michael's, the world's largest retailer of arts and crafts, prior to which she enjoyed a 17-year career with Delhaize Group where, under the Hannaford banner, she had held a range of leadership roles across the company's operations, merchandising, distribution, strategy and marketing divisions, including president and COO of Delhaize Group's now defunct Kash n' Karry banner, where she is credited with a significant financial and operational turnaround that included a complete re-branding of the business into Sweetbay Supermarkets. She then served as president and CEO of Sweetbay until joining Michael's.

Broader began her career in the investment banking sector, holding roles at Massachusetts Financial Services Company and First Albany Corp. A member of the board of directors of Raymond James Financial Inc., she holds a bachelor's degree from Washington State University.