Top-Line Focus

As part of its ongoing strategy to improve organizational effectiveness and increase operational efficiencies, Limited Brands Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) announced the creation of an office of the chief executive and appointed Leonard Schlesinger as vice chairman. In addition, Schlesinger will retain his position as coo.

“The creation of the office of the chief executive will allow me to increase my focus on top-line generating activities by turning over a collection of operational activities to Len,” says Leslie Wexner, Limited Brands chairman and ceo. “In doing so, I believe we will improve the flow of strategic and operational information across the enterprise, while at the same time, ensure comprehensive coverage of organizational issues and tighter integration of strategic, operational and financial activities.”

Schlesinger joined Limited Brands in October 1999 as executive vp, organization, leadership and human resources and was promoted to coo in February 2001. Prior to his appointment, he served as senior vp, counselor to the president, and professor of sociology and public policy at Brown University from 1998-99.

Outside of his academic appointments, his activities have included service as executive vp and coo of Au Bon Pain Co., a chain of French bakery cafés from 1985-88, and as a director of Limited Brands, Borders Group Inc., GC Companies (General Cinema) and Pegasystems Inc.

Limited Brands, through Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Express, Express Men's (Structure), Limited Stores, White Barn Candle Co. and Henri Bendel, operates 4036 specialty stores.