Dublin, California In early 2025, Ross Stores will replace departing CEO Barbara Rentler after completing its CEO succession search.
When Rentler, who is also vice chair, formally steps down as CEO on February 2 and takes on an advisory role, James Conroy will take over as CEO of the discount retailer. As CEO-elect, he will take over from Ross on December 2 and report to Michael Balmuth, executive chairman. In December, Conroy will also become a member of the board of directors.
Conroy joins his new position with over 25 years of management, operational, and consulting experience. He has been the president and CEO of Boot Barn, a well-known lifestyle store of western and business-related shoes, clothes, and accessories, since 2012. The company has an online store and more than 400 physical sites throughout 46 states.
Before joining Boot Barn, Conroy worked at Claire’s Stores Inc. from 2007 to 2012 in a variety of leadership positions, including president from 2009 to 2012, chief operating officer, and interim co-CEO in 2012.
Conroy’s track record of creating and managing productive retail management teams was praised by Balmuth. In the short and long term, he continued, “we are also confident that Jim’s track record of utilizing customer-centric retail strategies to maximize top- and bottom-line results will help drive our company’s profitable growth and shareholder value.”
Additionally, the executive chairman conveyed the board’s appreciation to Rentler, who declared in June of last year that she would be departing the firm early the following year.
He stated, “She has played a key role in creating our current outstanding operational and merchandising organization, which has laid a solid basis for future expansion.” “We are appreciative that over the coming years, we will also be able to take advantage of Barbara’s experience in an advisory role.”
Since joining Ross in 1986, Rentle has been the company’s CEO for the last ten years.
“I have had the honor of working with some of the most talented individuals in retail for nearly forty years,” she stated. “Over the years, their dedication and diligence have helped us grow and become profitable.”
