Alex Smith has been promoted to a new position at The TJX Companies of Executive Vice President, Group Executive, International. Previously, Mr. Smith (48) had been Managing Director of T.K. Maxx, a position he held since 1995. Prior to joining T.K. Maxx, Mr. Smith held the position of Managing Director at Owen Owen plc. Before assuming that role, he was Merchandising Director for the same company. Prior to that, Mr. Smith was employed by Harvey Nichols where he held both merchandising and store operations positions. Mr. Smith Began his retailing career in 1973 as a buyer at Wallis. In his new role, Mr. Smith will be responsible for all of TJX's international operations including T.K. Maxx, Winners and HomeSense, TJX's newest concept that offers off-price home fashions to the Canadian market. In addition, he will be responsible for the Company's European Buying Offices and International Buying Agencies. He will continue to report to Edmond English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc.
Paul Sweetenham has been promoted to President, T.K. Maxx. Mr. Sweetenham (36) was formerly Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of this division. Mr. Sweetenham joined T.K. Maxx in 1993 as Head of Retail Operations. In 1994, he was promoted to Planning and Distribution Director and, in 1995, was made a Divisional Merchandise Manager. He was promoted in 1997 to Senior Merchandise Manager, Assistant Vice President and, in 1998, was named General Merchandise Manager, Vice President. In 1999, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and assumed responsibilities for Marketing in 2000. Prior to joining T.K. Maxx, Mr. Sweetenham held the position of Retail Operations Director of Champion Sports. Before assuming that position, he was Area Manager of the Burton Group. Mr. Sweetenham began his career in retail at Allders International in 1984. He will continue to report to Alex Smith.
Edmond English, President and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc. stated, "I am very pleased with these promotions in our senior management team. Both Alex and Paul are veterans of retailing and bring a wealth of talent and experience to their new posts. Under Alex's guidance, T.K. Maxx has grown to become the leading off-price retailer in the U.K. and Ireland. He will provide great expertise in leading the continued growth of all of our international operations. Paul has had great success in managing a wide variety of functions at T.K. Maxx and is more than ready to assume the day-to-day responsibilities for this division."
The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. The Company operates 661 T.J. Maxx, 535 Marshalls, 81 HomeGoods and 25 A.J. Wright stores in the United States. In Canada, the Company operates 117 Winners, and in Europe, 74 T.K. Maxx stores. TJX's press releases and financial information are also available on the Internet at www.tjx.com.
