HUDSON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft retailer, today announced the appointment of Jill Soltau as President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the company, effective March 2, 2015. Jim Kerr, who served as Interim Chief Executive Officer, will continue as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company.
Ms. Soltau joins Jo-Ann with more than 25 years of diverse experience in the retail industry. She most recently served as President of Shopko, rising to that role after earning various executive positions of increasing responsibility since joining in 2007.
“We are excited to partner with Jill as we continue to build upon Jo-Ann’s leading position in the fabric and craft industry. Jill’s passion, strategic vision and proven success make her an excellent leader for the company going forward,” said Todd Purdy, Partner, Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
“For over 70 years, Jo-Ann has been inspiring the creativity in others and I am thrilled to join the team to help drive the brand's future success,” said Ms. Soltau. “Jo-Ann is an industry leader that has exciting opportunities to achieve even greater long-term potential. I look forward to working with the talented management team and dedicated associates to bolster Jo-Ann's market position and create further enthusiasm for the Jo-Ann brand.”
Prior to her tenure at Shopko, Ms. Soltau held several senior level positions in merchandising, planning and private brand management at Sears and Kohl’s, after starting her career with Carson Pirie Scott.
About Jo-Ann Stores, LLC
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s largest fabric and craft retailer with locations in 49 states, was founded in 1943 as a single retail store. Today, approximately 850 Jo-Ann stores across the country provide consumers all the fabrics, craft supplies and inspiration they need, conveniently under one roof. For additional information, visit joann.com. To make creative connections, visit joann.com/community.
About Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. is one of the nation’s preeminent private equity firms with over $15 billion of private equity capital raised since inception. Founded in 1989, the firm has invested in over 70 companies with an aggregate value of over $85 billion in the form of traditional buyouts, going-private transactions, recapitalizations, growth capital investments, corporate carve-outs and selective public equity and debt positions. Based in Los Angeles, California, Leonard Green & Partners invests in established companies that are leaders in their markets. For more information, please visit www.leonardgreen.com.
