Melissa Reiff, current president and COO at The Container Store, will become the retailer’s new chief executive officer, the Coppell-based company announced today.
Current Chairman and CEO Kip Tindell, who has led the company since 1978, will continue as chairman. Sharon Tindell, will add president to her current chief merchandising officer role. Jodi Taylor, chief financial officer, will add chief administrative officer responsibilities. Melissa Collins was named chief marketing officer, and Eva Gordon, Audrey Robertson and John Thrailkill were named executive vice presidents in a variety of capacities. The changes will take effect July 1, 2016.
“Succession planning has always been a huge priority and something that my mentors encouraged me to have a tremendous focus on – especially for such a culture-rich company like The Container Store. Thus, over the years, we’ve placed a great deal of energy on ensuring that the culture of our special company is protected and supported by a leadership team that will continue to operate the business through the lens of our Foundation Principles – our strategic business philosophies – and, with a focus on maintaining our employee-first culture,” said Kip Tindell. “Our board and I feel that this new structure and enhanced responsibilities will provide continuity coupled with renewed vigor and vision for innovation and excellence in bringing the company to its full and amazing potential within this ever-changing world of retail, all while nurturing and developing a business where everyone associated with it can thrive.”
Reiff joined The Container Store as vice president of sales and marketing in 1995 assuming the role of executive vice president of stores in 2003. In these roles, she created, built and formalized the company’s sales and marketing function and was responsible for all aspects of store sales, management, communication and training, as well as advertising, online business marketing, public relations and new store launches. She also spearheaded the retailer’s growth plan and the restructuring of the company communication flow. In early 2006, Reiff was named president and in 2013, chief operating officer was added to her title. “I’m honored to take on the responsibility of leading our incredibly special company,” said Reiff. “And I’m absolutely committed to serving the needs of and creating value for all of our stakeholders by ushering The Container Store into the next phase of our exciting future, while simultaneously maintaining all that our brand is known and loved for.”
The Container Store is a storage and organization products retailer. The retailer has 79 store locations nationwide.