Wayne, N.J. – Claire Babrowski, the former acting president and CEO of RadioShack, has joined Toys “R” Us in the newly created position of executive VP/chief operating officer, effective today.
She reports directly to chairman/CEO Jerry Storch.
In her new role, Babrowski will oversee the chain’s worldwide logistics and information technology functions and all global franchise operations. Other responsibilities will include company-owned operations and equity positions in the Pacific arena, and she will serve as a member of its executive committee.
Babwroski is the second senior executive from a CE specialty chain to join Toys “R” Us. She follows ex-Sony exec Ron Boire, whom Storch brought on as president in 2006 after a two-year stint as Best Buy’s chief merchant.
In a statement, Storch described Babrowski as “a decisive leader with the proven ability to develop and execute strategies for improving business performance across diverse geographic locations. Her success in building results-focused teams with clear operational accountabilities will be key to leveraging our worldwide strength and capabilities.”
Babrowski joined RadioShack in 2005 as executive VP/chief operating officer from McDonald’s, where she rose to chief restaurant operations officer from a counter job she took there at age 16. She assumed the helm of RadioShack on an interim basis last year following the resignation of chief executive Dave Edmondson, and left the chain after Julian Day was appointed CEO.
Separately, RadioShack said in a federal filing that its senior VP and corporate controller David Johnson is leaving the company after July 31. He will be succeeded at that time by treasurer Martin Moad.
In other RadioShack news, Goldman, Sachs retail analyst Matthew Fassler has given the chain kudos for marked operational improvements due to Day’s turnaround efforts. In a research note, he lauded the company for “increasingly attentive customer service” and better “discipline on product mix and buying” as it walks away from low-margin merchandise and overhauls outdated business practices. Although its declines in comp store and wireless sales remain problematic, Fassler believes the company is successfully re-positioning itself as “the only convenience-based retailer of technology accessories in an environment marked by device proliferation and unprecedented connectivity.”
