ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
Grossman
Interactive multichannel retailer HSN, Inc., (HSNI) announced that Mindy Grossman has stepped down as CEO in order to take a leadership position with Weight Watchers. Grossman’s resignation was effective May 24; she also gave up her seat on the HSNI board.
HSNI has retained a national search firm to assist with the search for a successor. In the interim, its board has established the Office of the Chief Executive, a team of top executives, including CFO Rod R. Little, CMO William C. Brand, and COO Judy A. Schmeling, to manage day-to-day operations.
“On behalf of the board, we thank Mindy for her visionary leadership and many contributions to our company during a transformative period in its history,” says HSNI chair Arthur C. Martinez in a release. “She has been a committed partner to the board in the development of important initiatives that have created a solid foundation for the future. We will miss her energy, creativity, and passion for our company, and wish her success in her future endeavors.”
“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished at HSNI and believe that the company is well-positioned for the future,” Grossman says in the release. “It has been an honor to work with such an inspired team over the past decade as we transformed the business. With a focus on customer engagement, digital innovation, product excellence, and immersive and community-oriented content, HSNI will be able to thrive in the modern retail environment, where consumers are looking for experiences and meaning.”
Grossman has been building consumer brands for more than 30 years, and she served as HSNI’s CEO since 2008. As CEO, she helped grow the company into a $6 billion direct-to-consumer content-and-commerce leader that derives more than half its revenue from digital channels. Grossman transformed HSN into a lifestyle network, launched digital innovations, and formed successful partnerships with leading brands and personalities.
“Mindy is proven as a successful visionary and entrepreneurial force in business.” —Oprah Winfrey, Board Member, Weight Watchers
Previously, Grossman served in executive positions at Nike, Inc., Polo Ralph Lauren Corp., Tommy Hilfiger, and other apparel companies. In 2013, Forbes named Grossman one of the world’s 100 Most Powerful Women. Fast Company named Grossman one of its Most Creative People in Business in 2014, and Fortune named her Business Person of the Year.
“I’m delighted that Mindy will be joining Weight Watchers as CEO and director,” says Weight Watchers Chairman Ray Debbane in a statement. “Mindy has an incredibly successful track record of bringing bold and transformative ideas to businesses to unlock their potential. She has worked with some of the biggest brands and has consistently translated consumers’ interests and aspirations into visionary innovations.”
“I am thrilled to join Weight Watchers and lead the next phase of the company’s transformation,” Grossman says. “This is a tremendous opportunity to leverage technology and consumer insights to create innovative personal experiences, build loyal communities, and accelerate growth. Ultimately, the ability to inspire people to live healthier and happier lives is what excites me both personally and professionally.”
“Mindy is proven as a successful visionary and entrepreneurial force in business, and I look forward to working with her,” says Weight Watchers board member and investor Oprah Winfrey. “She has the experience, the passion and the positive energy to take Weight Watchers to exciting new places.”