Another GNC exec joins Rue21 C-suite

Rue21 has made two executive appointments as 2023 winds down. 

Elisa Bannon-Jones is joining the teen apparel retailer as senior VP, chief people officer. She joins Rue21 from vitamins, supplements and wellness retailer GNC, where she has spent the past two years as chief people officer. 

Prior to GNC,  Bannon-Jones worked as chief people officer at auto supplies chain Pep Boys. Before Pep Boys, she was the chief human resources officer for more than four years at Frontier Communications.

Bannon-Jones is one of several executives to move from GNC to Rue21 this year following the appointment of former GNC head Josh Burris as CEO in March.  In June, Rue21 named former GNC exec Karlyn as Mattson executive VP, chief customer officer.  And in September, Scott Saeger was named chief information officer. He had served as CIO of GNC since 2018. 

In other appointments Michele Pascoe, senior VP, CFO at Rue21, has been promoted to executive VP, CFO. With this appointment, she now also oversees the legal function for the company.

Pascoe has served as CFO with Rue21 for over five years. She previously held the same position for Marsh Supermarkets and Fashion Bug. Rue21 said that Pascoe has played a “pivotal role in driving its business transformation.”

"We are thrilled to welcome Elisa Bannon-Jones to Rue21, and congratulate Michele Pascoe on her expanded role in our executive leadership team," said Josh Burris, president and CEO of Rue21. "These appointments reflect our commitment to assembling a best-in-class leadership team. Elisa's track record of success will be critical to our efforts to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Elisa joining, combined with Michele's strategic financial leadership, will undoubtedly help continue the positive momentum in our business."

Headquartered in Warrendale, Pa., Rue21 currently operates approximately 600 U.S. stores in 45 states.