Courtney O’Connor will join J.Jill Inc. as senior vice president and chief merchandising officer on Monday.
O’Connor will succeed Shelley Liebsch who is leaving J.Jill “to pursue other opportunities,” the company said.
“Courtney is a seasoned merchant who brings extensive experience in elevating product assortments to showcase brands’ offerings in a way that best aligns with customer expectations,” said Mary Ellen Coyne, J.Jill’s chief executive officer and president since last May, in a statement. “Through thoughtful collaboration she has worked cross functionally to launch new offerings increasing brand visibility and driving sales. As we take steps to enhance the J.Jill assortment and execute toward our next chapter for growth, I am thrilled to have Courtney join the team.”
J.Jill’s net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 decreased 4.9 percent to $153.6 million, producing adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $27.3 million, a decrease from $35.6 million a year earlier.
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Coyne and O’Conner will continue efforts to elevate J.Jill’s profile and put greater focus on selling full-price casual merchandise appropriate for on the job and after hours. It’s a segment of the apparel business that’s sprung into popularity with people return to working at their offices after the pandemic. The Quincy, Mass.-based retailer sells merchandise under its own private label and primarily caters to middle-aged and older women and operates 249 stores nationwide and an e-commerce platform.
O’Connor has 20 years of experience in the global lifestyle apparel and luxury sectors, specializing in retail, wholesale and e-commerce. Most recently, she was chief merchandising officer at Club Monaco, where she is credited for launching new initiatives and optimizing the company’s production cycle.
Before Club Monaco, O’Connor held senior roles at Public Clothing Company and Ralph Lauren, where she managed global merchandising for women’s apparel and accessories. Prior to Ralph Lauren, O’Connor held merchandising and buying roles at J.Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Coyne is also a former Ralph Lauren executive, including having served as chief merchandising officer of women’s and children’s. Before joining J.Jill, Coyne was CEO of J.McLaughlin.
