Designer Brands CFO Jared Poff Resigns; Mark Haley Named Interim Financial Leader

Designer Brands Faces Leadership Transition with CFO Departure

Designer Brands Inc. announces a significant leadership change as Jared Poff resigns from his role as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer, effective October 31, 2025. Poff departs to pursue a new opportunity, marking the end of a decade-long tenure at the company. In a strategic move to ensure continuity, Mark Haley, currently serving as Senior Vice President, Controller, and Principal Accounting Officer, will step in as the Interim Principal Financial Officer starting November 1, 2025. Haley's extensive experience within Designer Brands since 2017 and his previous roles in finance at other retail companies position him as a capable leader during this transition period.

Haley brings a wealth of expertise to his new interim role, having previously worked at Conn's, Inc., Coldwater Creek Inc., and SUPERVALU INC. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with dual Bachelor's degrees in Finance and Accounting from the University of Idaho, he is well-equipped to manage the company's financial operations. CEO Doug Howe extends his confidence in Haley’s leadership and financial acumen, emphasizing the critical need for a smooth transition as Designer Brands embarks on a search for a permanent CFO. This leadership change underscores the company's commitment to maintaining operational discipline while continuing to prioritize strategic initiatives that enhance brand strength and foster a customer-centric approach.

In light of this leadership transition, Designer Brands is well-positioned to navigate the evolving retail landscape. The company, renowned for its portfolio of popular footwear brands such as Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, and Lucky Brand, aims to remain focused on long-term value creation. Howe expresses gratitude for Poff's decade of contributions and looks forward to building on the company's existing strengths under Haley's interim leadership. As Designer Brands moves forward, the leadership team is determined to uphold its commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth, ensuring that the company continues to thrive in the competitive retail environment.

In other news, Designer Brands is actively pursuing initiatives aimed at bolstering its market presence. By focusing on customer engagement and innovative marketing strategies, the company seeks to enhance its brand visibility and drive sales growth. As the retail landscape shifts, Designer Brands acknowledges the importance of adapting to consumer preferences to sustain its competitive edge.