Conn’s Names New President, Hires 2 Other Senior Execs

January 17, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Executive Changes, Industry   

The company said Gaines will oversee Conn’s retail business including operations, merchandising, logistics and service. Gaines will join Conn's on Feb. 1, and will report to Norm Miller, chairman and CEO. Miller had also held the title of president

"CR is a seasoned operations executive with over 25 years of experience at high growth retail organizations," said Miller. "With his track record of providing outstanding leadership and solid financial management, I'm confident that CR will ensure Conn's is well positioned to achieve sustainable revenue growth in our retail business."  

Gaines previously spent seven years at TMX Finance in Savannah, Ga., a consumer retail finance company that served subprime consumers, and was most recently the company's Executive Vice President of Store Operations. At TMX, Gaines led the entire store operations group, which consisted of 1,300 retail locations across 18 states, and was responsible for managing new store growth, improving operational efficiencies, and delivering profit to expectation. He also served in additional roles at TMX including Senior Vice President, Divisional Vice President and Regional Manager.

Prior to TMX, Gaines spent eight years at Tractor Supply Company, working up to Divisional Vice President of Operations, where he managed a $1.4 billion business unit and directed all operational activities for the company's 900 stores. He began his career at Scotty's Home Centers & Hardware Stores, working his way up over 13 years to Vice President of Hardware Stores where he assumed full P&L responsibility for the company's 70 retail stores.

In addition to the appointment of Gaines, Conn's announced the appointments of Casey Chung as vice president of logistics and David Hutchinson as vice president of service.

Chung brings over 20 years of logistics business experience to Conn's, most recently serving as Vice President of Logistics for Caleres in Lebanon, Tenn., the parent company to Famous Footwear. At Caleres, Chung spearheaded an initiative to modernize and optimize the Supply Chain network, with a focus on reducing cost and increasing speed and flexibility.

Prior to Caleres, Chung oversaw logistics for other leading high growth retail companies including GAP Inc., Blockbuster and Walmart.

Hutchinson has nearly two decades of experience in sales and operations roles with an emphasis on creating an innovative customer service experience for major retailers including The Home Depot and Sears. In his most recent role, Hutchinson served as Senior Director & General Manager at The Home Depot in Atlanta where he was responsible for in-home sales and installation business for all custom windows, roofing, siding and other exterior products.

Prior to The Home Depot, Hutchinson spent 16 years at Sears. His last role at Sears was as a Regional Vice President, responsible for major home appliance repair operations.