Dive Brief:

• Hudson, OH-based Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Thursday announced that Jill Soltau will be president, CEO, and a board member starting March 2.

• Interim CEO Jim Kerr will continue on as EVP and CFO.

• Soltau comes from Shopko Stores, where she was president and chief merchandising officer for the past two years, EVP there since 2009, and in other positions since 2007. She also worked at the senior level at Sears, Kohl’s, and Carson Pirie Scott.

Dive Insight:

Jo-Ann Stores is a mainstay brand in the hobby business that has been struggling under heavy debt and some neglect of its physical and e-commerce retail. The retailer is ready for change, and Jill Soltau's long-term experience in retail bodes well.