Ross Stores has promoted Karen Fleming to president and chief merchandising officer of its dd’s Discounts operation, effective April 1.
She will report directly to Barbara Rentler, the company’s CEO. Fleming will direct all aspects of merchandising at dd’s Discounts, the company stated. Brian Morrow, dd’s current president and chief merchandising officer, will transition to a consultant role as Fleming takes the helm.
Fleming joined the dd’s buying organization in 2022 after almost 20 years of merchandise leadership roles in various Ross operations. Since September 2023, she has served as group executive vp of merchandising at dd’s.
The move comes in the wake of a Ross succession plan announcement that foresees Rentler’s stepping down from her CEO and vice chair roles in 2026.
“We are excited to have Karen lead the dd’s merchandising team,” Rentler said in announcing the Fleming promotion. “She is a respected executive who has made significant contributions to the growth of our company during her tenure. I am confident that her deep knowledge of the off-price business will benefit the long-term growth of dd’s Discounts.”
