Former Row President Trish Donnelly Named CEO of Chico’s, Sister Brands

Chico’s and its sister brands have a new leader.

The womenswear retailer owned by the KnitWell Group has named Trish Donnelly division chief executive officer. Most recently president of The Row, Donnelly will oversee all product and customer-facing functions for the Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market brands, while also leading the day-to-day operations of KnitWell Group’s Fort Myers campus in Florida.

The last person to hold the position was Molly Langenstein, who exited the company in January 2024 after it was acquired by the KnitWell Group for $1 billion. Since then, Lizanne Kindler, executive chair and CEO of KnitWell Group, has been overseeing the division.

Over the course of her career, Donnelly also served as CEO of Calvin Klein Global and PVH North America. She also spent seven years at Urban Outfitters, ultimately rising to global CEO of the Urban Outfitters Group and held senior leadership roles at Steven Alan, J.Crew, Cole Haan and Ralph Lauren.

“Trish is an exceptional leader with a proven record of success and is widely respected for uniting teams around a shared vision and for delivering results,” Kindler said. “Her passion for retail and dedication to customers are truly unmatched. We are excited for the impact we know she and our talented associates will create together.”

Donnelly added that Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market are “iconic American brands within a portfolio of some of the most recognized women’s fashion retailers worldwide. The opportunities ahead are extraordinary, and I look forward to partnering with the teams to write the next chapter of growth and success for our brands.”

In addition to the nameplates that Donnelly will oversee, KnitWell, which is owned by the private equity firm Sycamore Partners, owns Ann Taylor, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, Loft and Talbots. All told, the company has sales of more than $6 billion and operates 2,800 stores targeting women over the age of 35.