Chico's CEO to retire

FORT MYERS — David Dyer, president and CEO of women's retailer Chico's FAS, says he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Dyer joined the Chico's board of directors in 2007 and became the company's president and CEO in January 2009. The board formed a succession planning committee to identify Dyer's successor and retained Herbert Mines Associates, an executive search firm with particular expertise in the retail industry.

The Fort Myers-based women's retailer operates 1,552 stores in the U.S. and Canada and sells merchandise through franchise locations in Mexico. It operates four brands: Chico's, White House | Black Market, Soma Intimates and Boston Proper.

During his tenure as president and CEO, Dyer turned the company around from a loss in 2008 to profitability and returned more than $1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. He also led the acquisition of Boston Proper and expanded the company to Canada and Mexico.

“From the moment he took the reins in early 2009, he led significant and positive changes on all fronts: merchandise, marketing, and technology, while also accelerating our push into omni-channel and laying the foundation for global expansion,” says Ross Roeder, non-executive chairman, in a statement.

“The company benefits from a strong foundation, including over nine million fabulous and loyal customers, four terrific brands, a solid financial position, and our not-so-secret weapon: our passionate and dedicated associates,” Dyer says in a statement.