Vera Bradley Announces Barbara Baekgaard Transitions to Emeritus Status After 40 Years
Vera Bradley (Nasdaq: VRA) has announced that co-founder Barbara Baekgaard will transition to Director Emeritus status, stepping back from official board duties but remaining involved in the company's brand transformation. Baekgaard, who co-founded the company in 1982 with Patricia Miller, will not seek re-election at the upcoming shareholders meeting.
Under Baekgaard's leadership, Vera Bradley grew from a startup into a lifestyle brand known for vibrant patterns and innovative designs. Her impact extends beyond the company through the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, which has raised over $41 million for research since its establishment in 1994.
CEO Jackie Ardrey emphasized that while Baekgaard is stepping back from the boardroom, she will continue to provide visionary insights during the ongoing brand transformation. Baekgaard expressed optimism about the company's future under Ardrey's leadership.
Vera Bradley (Nasdaq: VRA) ha annunciato che la co-fondatrice Barbara Baekgaard passerà allo status di Direttore Emerito, ritirandosi dai doveri ufficiali del consiglio ma rimanendo coinvolta nella trasformazione del marchio dell'azienda. Baekgaard, che ha co-fondato l'azienda nel 1982 con Patricia Miller, non si ricandiderà alla prossima assemblea degli azionisti.
Sotto la guida di Baekgaard, Vera Bradley è passata da startup a marchio di lifestyle noto per i suoi motivi vivaci e design innovativi. Il suo impatto va oltre l'azienda attraverso la Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, che ha raccolto oltre 41 milioni di dollari per la ricerca dalla sua fondazione nel 1994.
Il CEO Jackie Ardrey ha sottolineato che, mentre Baekgaard si ritira dalla sala del consiglio, continuerà a fornire intuizioni visionarie durante la trasformazione del marchio in corso. Baekgaard ha espresso ottimismo riguardo al futuro dell'azienda sotto la guida di Ardrey.
Vera Bradley (Nasdaq: VRA) ha anunciado que la cofundadora Barbara Baekgaard pasará a ser Directora Emérita, alejándose de sus funciones oficiales en la junta pero manteniéndose involucrada en la transformación de la marca de la empresa. Baekgaard, que cofundó la empresa en 1982 con Patricia Miller, no buscará la reelección en la próxima reunión de accionistas.
Bajo el liderazgo de Baekgaard, Vera Bradley creció de una startup a una marca de estilo de vida conocida por sus patrones vibrantes y diseños innovadores. Su impacto se extiende más allá de la empresa a través de la Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, que ha recaudado más de 41 millones de dólares para la investigación desde su creación en 1994.
La CEO Jackie Ardrey enfatizó que, aunque Baekgaard se está alejando de la sala de juntas, continuará proporcionando perspectivas visionarias durante la transformación de la marca en curso. Baekgaard expresó optimismo sobre el futuro de la empresa bajo el liderazgo de Ardrey.
베라 브래들리 (Nasdaq: VRA)는 공동 창립자 바바라 베이크가드가 이사 명예직으로 전환하여 공식 이사회 업무에서 물러나지만 회사의 브랜드 변혁에 계속 참여할 것이라고 발표했습니다. 베이크가드는 1982년 패트리샤 밀러와 함께 회사를 공동 설립하였으며, 다가오는 주주 총회에서 재선에 나서지 않을 것입니다.
베이크가드의 지도 아래 베라 브래들리는 스타트업에서 활기찬 패턴과 혁신적인 디자인으로 알려진 라이프스타일 브랜드로 성장했습니다. 그녀의 영향력은 1994년 설립 이후 연구를 위해 4천1백만 달러 이상을 모금한 베라 브래들리 유방암 재단을 통해 회사 너머로 확장됩니다.
CEO 재키 아드리에는 베이크가드가 이사회에서 물러나고 있지만 현재 진행 중인 브랜드 변혁 동안 비전 있는 통찰력을 계속 제공할 것이라고 강조했습니다. 베이크가드는 아드리의 지도 아래 회사의 미래에 대한 낙관적인 마음을 표현했습니다.
Vera Bradley (Nasdaq: VRA) a annoncé que la cofondatrice Barbara Baekgaard passera au statut de Directrice Émérite, se retirant des fonctions officielles au sein du conseil d'administration tout en restant impliquée dans la transformation de la marque de l'entreprise. Baekgaard, qui a cofondé l'entreprise en 1982 avec Patricia Miller, ne se représentera pas lors de la prochaine assemblée des actionnaires.
Sous la direction de Baekgaard, Vera Bradley est passée d'une startup à une marque de style de vie connue pour ses motifs vibrants et ses designs innovants. Son impact s'étend au-delà de l'entreprise grâce à la Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, qui a récolté plus de 41 millions de dollars pour la recherche depuis sa création en 1994.
La PDG Jackie Ardrey a souligné que, bien que Baekgaard se retire de la salle du conseil, elle continuera à fournir des idées visionnaires durant la transformation de la marque en cours. Baekgaard a exprimé son optimisme quant à l'avenir de l'entreprise sous la direction d'Ardrey.
Vera Bradley (Nasdaq: VRA) hat bekannt gegeben, dass Mitgründerin Barbara Baekgaard in den Status einer Ehrendirektorin wechselt, sich von offiziellen Aufgaben im Vorstand zurückzieht, aber weiterhin an der Markenentwicklung des Unternehmens beteiligt bleibt. Baekgaard, die das Unternehmen 1982 zusammen mit Patricia Miller gegründet hat, wird sich bei der kommenden Hauptversammlung nicht zur Wiederwahl stellen.
Unter Baekgaards Führung wuchs Vera Bradley von einem Start-up zu einer Lifestyle-Marke, die für ihre lebhaften Muster und innovativen Designs bekannt ist. Ihr Einfluss reicht über das Unternehmen hinaus durch die Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, die seit ihrer Gründung im Jahr 1994 über 41 Millionen Dollar für die Forschung gesammelt hat.
CEO Jackie Ardrey betonte, dass Baekgaard zwar aus dem Vorstand zurücktritt, sie jedoch weiterhin visionäre Einblicke während der laufenden Markenentwicklung geben wird. Baekgaard äußerte Optimismus über die Zukunft des Unternehmens unter Ardreys Führung.
- Smooth leadership transition with founder maintaining advisory role ensures continuity
- Strong philanthropic foundation with $41 million raised for breast cancer research demonstrates brand value
- None.
FORT WAYNE, Ind., March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) has announced that its co-founder Barbara Baekgaard, will not stand for re-election at the upcoming shareholders meeting and will instead transition to a Director Emeritus role. While she will be stepping back from official board duties, Baekgaard will continue to remain involved in the Company she co-founded and the Vera Bradley brand transformation.
Baekgaard’s influence on Vera Bradley has been immeasurable. From launching the brand in 1982 with Patricia Miller to growing it into a beloved lifestyle company recognized for its vibrant, handcrafted patterns and innovative designs, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the business and inspiring generations of women entrepreneurs.
“Barb has been the heart and soul of Vera Bradley,” said Jackie Ardrey, CEO of Vera Bradley. “Her leadership, creativity, and generosity have shaped not only our company but also the communities she serves. While she steps back from the boardroom, we are thrilled that she will continue to lend her visionary thoughts and insights as we continue to execute on the brand transformation.
Beyond Vera Bradley, Baekgaard remains a force in philanthropy and hospitality. In 1994, Baekgaard, along with Miller, established the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer after the loss of a dear friend to breast cancer. To date, the Foundation has raised over
“I appreciate the collaborative support and business insights from Vera Bradley’s Board members over these years, and am excited about the new path that will be charted by this new generation of the Vera Bradley Board.” Added Mrs. Baekgaard, “I look forward to continuing to offer my insights and historical knowledge for our business. My love for the Vera Bradley brand remains undiminished, and I am extremely optimistic about the Company’s future under Jackie’s leadership.”
As Baekgaard embarks on this new chapter, Vera Bradley remains steadfast in its mission to empower women through thoughtful design, social impact, and a commitment to giving back—values that Baekgaard has championed since day one.
CONTACTS:
Investors:
Tom Filandro, Partner
ICR, Inc
VeraBradleyIR@icrinc.com
Media:
mediacontact@verabradley.com
877-708-VERA (8372)
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