Zale Names New CEO and President - Jan.2008

Neal Goldberg, the former president of the Children’s Place Retail Stores, has been named president and chief executive officer of Irving, Texas-based Zale Corp.

Goldberg, 48, replaces Betsy Burton, who is stepping down from her management and board positions. Burton, a director of Zale since August 2003, has served as CEO of the company since February 2006. She will continue to advise the company pursuant to a two-year consulting agreement.

Zale’s stock hit a 52-week low at the news. It is down 42 percent for the year.
The news come as Zale has warned about lukewarm holiday prices, and has struggled with declining sales and profits. It reported a loss of $28.4 million, or 58 cents per share, in the quarter ended Oct. 31, a larger loss than the year before. It has also lost ground to its primary competitor, Kay Jewelers, owned by Sterling. v