Wendy Bennison appointed President and COO of Roots

After nearly two years as company's COO, senior retail executive takes on greater role amid pronounced growth for the brand

TORONTO, June 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green announced today, as part of future plans for the brand, that they've appointed Wendy Bennison as President and COO.  Wendy, who joined the company in 2013 as COO, is assuming her new role immediately.

In 2014, her first full year at Roots, the company enjoyed its best year ever in terms of sales revenue and profitability. A growth plan to drive the brand successfully through its 43^rd year and beyond is now well underway.

"Based on everything Wendy has achieved and contributed to the Roots success since 2013, she's well suited to take on this added responsibility," says Don Green. "She's demonstrated a keen understanding of the brand, has managed operations expertly, exhibited great leadership and taken the company to new heights. We're thrilled to be working closely with Wendy as Roots enters a dynamic new phase in its growth."  

"I'm honoured to have Don and Michael's trust and faith in my ability to lead Roots," says Wendy, who has an extensive background in Canada's retail industry. "This is a particularly exciting time for the brand on many fronts, both in Canada and abroad, where we're achieving industry-leading growth across multiple channels." 

As part of its plans for 2015/16, Roots is expanding its online business, creating a much-enlarged role for its Beaver Canoe heritage brand, and exploring further international expansion.

Later this week, the company is opening a new store in New York and this summer will be inaugurating new locations in Asia where it has more than 125 stores.

Before joining Roots, Wendy was as an executive leader of Mark's, Canada's largest specialty apparel and footwear store network. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in various senior management roles, including Director of Operations and Director of Human Resources at three national retailers.

SOURCE Roots Canada Ltd.

Image with caption: "Roots President and COO Wendy Bennison at company's flagship store in Toronto, 80 Bloor St. W. (CNW Group/Roots Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150601_C7529_PHOTO_EN_17256.jpg

Image with caption: "Roots flagship store in Toronto at 80 Bloor St. West (CNW Group/Roots Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150601_C7529_PHOTO_EN_17257.jpg

Robert Sarner, Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Roots Canada, Tel: [phone], ext. 4280, [email protected]