Mr. Edmond S. Thomas has been a director of our Company since November 28, 2007. Mr. Thomas was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company effective October 8, 2007. From 2005 to October 2007, Mr. Thomas served as President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Tilly's Inc., a privately owned company that sells action sports related apparel, footwear and accessories. Mr. Thomas was previously President and Chief Operating Officer of our Company from 1992 to 2000. Mr. Thomas is currently the managing partner of The Evans Thomas Company, LLC, which is the general partner of AXIS Capital Fund I, LP, which provides advisory services for retail, catalog, and consumer goods companies along with investment in emerging growth retail companies. Mr. Thomas serves on the boards of directors of Directed Electronics Inc., a designer and marketer of electronics products, and Trans-World Entertainment Corporation, a specialty music and video retailer.
Steve Benrubi
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Steve Benrubi was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on September 21, 2007. Since June 2005, Mr. Benrubi had previously served as the Company's Vice President and Corporate Controller. Immediately prior to that, from August 2003, he served as Vice President and Controller of CKE Restaurants, Inc., the parent company of several fast food restaurant chains including Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. Prior to his employment with CKE Restaurants, Inc., Mr. Benrubi served as Treasurer of Champion Enterprises, Inc.
Maria Comfort
President and Chief Merchandise Officer Wet Seal Division
Effective August 25, 2008 Maria Comfort was appointed President and Chief Merchandise Officer for its Wet Seal division. In her merchandising career spanning more than 25 years, Maria has held a broad range of leadership roles, including President of the 9 & Co. division of Nine West Group and Executive Vice President for Giorgio Armani Corp. Maria's experience also included a role as Merchandising Vice President for teen retailer Contempo Casuals prior to its acquisition by Wet Seal. Most recently, Maria served as a Chief Merchandising Officer for Hot Topic.