.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Payless ShoeSource chain is getting a
new boss.
Collective Brands Inc. said Wednesday that it has named retail
veteran LuAnn Via as president and chief executive officer for the
chain of more than 4,500 shoe stores.
Via replaces Matt Rubel, who will continue as chairman and CEO
of Topeka-based parent company Collective Brands. Collective Brands
also operates the Stride Rite chain and Collective Licensing
International, which develops and manages apparel brands.
Via has been in the apparel business since 1974 and previously
was group divisional president of Charming Shoppes' Lane Bryant and
Cacique chains. She also has been a vice president at Sears,
Roebuck and Co. and oversaw private label development at Saks Inc.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)