Anthony M. Romano
President and Chief Executive Officer
Charming Shoppes

Anthony M. Romano was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRS) in March 2011. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer, overseeing global sourcing, distribution, logistics, quality control and quality assurance. In the COO role since 2010, Romano was also responsible for developing and executing Charming Shoppes’ business transformation and cost-reduction initiatives – efforts he continues to lead today as CEO.

Romano, having spent eight years with the company earlier in his career, was recruited to rejoin as Executive Vice President, Global Sourcing and Business Transformation, in February 2009.

From 1997-2008, Romano held positions of increasing responsibility at Ann Taylor, Inc. (NYSE: ANN). During his tenure, Ann Taylor tripled in size, going from $700 million in revenue and 300 stores to $2.3 billion in revenue and 900 stores. Romano joined as Senior Vice President, Logistics and rose to the level of Executive Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer in his 11 years with the company.

During his first period with Charming Shoppes from 1988 through 1996, Romano held a number of financial and operational roles, culminating in his appointment as Vice President, International Operations.

Romano began his career as Certified Public Accountant with the predecessor firm of Ernst & Young where he served clients in the wholesale, service, construction, manufacturing and retail industries including Strawbridge & Clothier and Charming Shoppes.

Romano holds a B.S. Accounting, Summa Cum Laude, from Syracuse University where he distinguished himself as four-year letterman in football and as an Academic All American. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).