Dressbarn Names Judith Langley Merchandising Chief

Dressbarn, a division of the Ascena Retail Group Inc., announced Judith Langley as their new executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, succeeding Keith Fulsher, who retired.

"Judith was our first choice. She is focused on style and trend and will play a key role in the evolution of the Dressbarn brand," David Jaffe, president and chief executive officer of Ascena, told WWD.

Jaffe also said that the appointment also reflects changes in the Dressbarn concept to be focus more on product development and less market driven. "It's not about cost. It's about delivering the right products and really being sensitive about what our customer is looking for and what we can offer that she can't get elsewhere," Jaffe said. "We have been building our team along this strategy for the past year in the trend and design areas. As part of that we are opening a New York design office soon, within a month or two."

Jeff Gerstel, president of Dressbarn, said he looks forward to "the vision Langley will bring to the brand's transformation."