Top-level shakeup at Chico's

Why did Pamela Knous leave Chico's?

The chief financial officer of the Fort Myers-based women's retailer abruptly resigned June 26. In a vague statement, Chico's says Knous left the company “to pursue other interests.”

There's little doubt Knous' sudden departure has something to do with the speculation that private-equity investors may be planning to take Chico's private. The Financial Times first reported the rumors a few weeks ago and analysts have since published research speculating the same thing, but company executives haven't acknowledged it.

However, in a securities filing alerting investors about Knous' resignation, the company hinted at a possible deal while naming Todd Vogensen as her replacement.

“Neither Mr. Vogensen nor any related person of Mr. Vogensen has a direct or indirect material interest in any existing or currently proposed transaction to which the company is or may become a party,” Chico's says in a Securities and Exchange filing on June 27.

The unusual language likely wouldn't have been inserted if a take-private deal weren't in the works.

Vogensen, whose base salary is $400,000, joined Chico's in October 2009 as vice president of planning and strategy, then became vice president of investor relations before his promotion to senior vice president of finance. Previously, Vogensen held multiple positions with Michaels Stores from 2005 to 2009, including corporate controller and vice president of merchandising and marketing finance.