NEW YORK, Nov 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --
AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) today announced that Michelle Gass has been elected to the Company's Board of Directors. She will also join the Board's Compensation Committee.
Ms. Gass currently serves as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Category, at Starbucks Coffee Company. In this role, she oversees the company's beverage, food, coffee and merchandise categories, future innovation pipeline, and overall brand and marketing efforts. She has held numerous marketing leadership positions during her twelve-year tenure with Starbucks, and also served in a recent assignment as Senior Vice President, Global Strategy. Prior to Starbucks, Ms. Gass was with Procter & Gamble Company, from 1990 to 1996, in various marketing and product management roles.
Commenting on the announcement, Ronald W. Hovsepian, Chairman of Ann Taylor's Board of Directors, stated, "We are delighted to welcome Michelle to the Board. She brings with her deep knowledge and experience in developing andmarketing products for iconic brands, and her background, combined with her consumer-focused and entrepreneurial spirit, will make Michelle a very valuable addition to our Board."
Ms. Gass will bring the number of independent directors on Ann Taylor's nine-person Board of Directors to eight.