TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ – Roots ("Roots," "Roots Canada" or the "Company") (TSX: ROOT) announced
today that Priscilla Shum, Chief Merchandising Officer, will be leaving the Company and that
James Connell, Vice President, e-Commerce and Marketing, has been promoted to Chief e-Commerce and
Customer Experience Officer.
"Since joining Roots in 2016, Priscilla has helped evolve our merchandising department into a better and more efficient
operation," said Jim Gabel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Roots. "In particular, she
has played an important role in our company-wide United Brand Range initiative, which better positions us for long-term growth.
She has built an incredibly talented team of professionals who are deeply immersed in the brand, and will continue to
successfully execute against our global product vision. I would like to thank Priscilla for all of her contributions and wish her
great success."
Ms. Shum will remain in her role through to February 4, 2019. The Company has commenced a
formal search for a new Chief Merchandising Officer.
James Connell, Vice President, e-Commerce and Marketing, has been promoted to Chief e-Commerce
and Customer Experience Officer. Under this newly created role, in addition to continuing to lead the Company's global e-Commerce
business, Mr. Connell is responsible for amplifying customer experience at Roots, both in-store and across digital platforms,
with a focus on new store formats, technology innovation and engaging consumer experiences. With Mr. Connell's transition to his
new role, Karen Zuccala has joined Roots as Vice President, Marketing where she will report to Mr.
Gabel and lead all of the Company's marketing and brand storytelling, globally.
Mr. Gabel continued: "Throughout our 45-year history, we have always worked to create experiences that enable our consumers to
engage with the distinct character and heritage of Roots, and we believe that those efforts have been key to our success. We want
to make sure we maintain a sharp focus on what has been an important differentiator for the brand, especially as a we continue to
grow as a seamless omni-channel retailer. James is a longstanding brand steward for Roots with a deep appreciation of our
customers. We are confident that through his proven creative vision we will deliver richer experiences and greater customer
engagement in our stores and online. Further, we are excited to welcome Karen to the team, and look forward to benefitting from
her extensive experience in building brands at a national and global scale."
Ms. Zuccala has more than 18 years of strategic, client, agency and creative experience in the sport and fashion industries,
at both a national and global level. She has joined Roots from Nike, where she was the Brand Marketing Director – Brand
Experiences managing a US and Canadian portfolio. Prior to that, she held various domestic and international marketing roles at
the adidas Group, and also led the global go-to-market strategy for Diesel at the company headquarters in Italy. She received her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and Business from McMaster
University and the University of Leeds in the U.K. and holds a Master's degree in Sport Management from the University of Windsor.
About Roots
Established in 1973, Roots is an iconic lifestyle brand with a rich Canadian heritage and portfolio of
premium apparel, leather goods, accessories and footwear. Roots delivers products to customers through its store network, online
platform and international partnerships. As of August 4, 2018, Roots integrated omni-channel
footprint included 117 company retail stores in Canada, five company retail stores in
the United States, 112 partner-operated stores in Taiwan, 27
partner-operated stores in China and a global e-commerce platform. Roots Corporation is a
Canadian corporation doing business as "Roots" and "Roots Canada".
Forward-Looking Information
Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information. This information is based on
management's reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and are made as of the date
of this press release. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the
forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding our expectations of future results,
performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information.
Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and
projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance
or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements.
See "Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended
February 3, 2018 for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these
statements. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking
information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation
to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required by applicable securities law.
SOURCE Roots Corporation
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