J. Jill names Coach vet as chief marketing officer. Kimberly Wallengren, who also worked at American Eagle and Adidas, will focus on brand positioning, expanding customer reach and growing consumer engagement. Published May 1, 2026 By Howard Ruben Dive brief: * J. Jill appointed Kimberly Wallengren its chief marketing officer, effective April 27, according to a press release. She reports directly to the retailer's president and CEO, Mary Ellen Coyne. Wallengren is replacing Kara Howard, who was senior vice president of marketing and customer experience, and has left the company. * Wallengren most recently was Coach's vice president of marketing for North America. Prior to that, she served as head of marketing for American Eagle's AE77 sustainable premium denim brand. She also held leadership roles with Adidas and New Balance, where she led marketing campaigns. * As J. Jill's marketing chief, Wallengren will focus on brand positioning, expanding customer reach and growing consumer engagement. Dive insight: Wallengren's appointment follows other recent executive changes at J. Jill. In the past year, the retailer has brought on a new CEO, chief merchandising officer and now a chief marketing officer in Wallengren. "We're excited to welcome Kimberly to J. Jill as we focus on expanding brand awareness and growing our customer file," Coyne said in a statement. "Kimberly brings a strong track record of leading marketing strategies that have attracted new audiences and strengthened engagement with existing customers. She has a deep understanding of today's consumer and a proven ability to translate these insights into impactful campaigns and more effective ways to reach and engage customers, which will be critical as we look to our next phase of growth." J. Jill is coming off a fourth quarter where net sales dropped 3.1% year over year to $138.4 million and comparable sales fell 4.8%. For the year, net sales fell 2.3%. DTC sales in the quarter increased 2.6%, representing 53.5% of total sales. For 2026, the company is projecting net sales to be flat to down 2%, while comp sales are expected to down 1% to 3%.

J.Jill has completed refinancing its existing credit agreement with a new $75 million senior secured five-year term loan facility from Manulife | Comvest Credit Partners. The refinancing replaces the company's previous term loan from April 2023. The apparel retailer expects annual cash interest expense savings of approximately $2 million, excluding one-time accelerated debt issuance costs. CCP Agency serves as administrative agent, collateral agent and sole lead arranger for the facility. Chief Financial and Operating Officer Mark Webb said the refinancing demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet whilst preserving operational and strategic flexibility. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius served as legal adviser on the transaction. J.Jill operates over 200 stores nationwide alongside an e-commerce platform, offering women's apparel, footwear and accessories.