ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 4, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading interactive multichannel retailer HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSNI) announced today that Karen Etzkorn has been appointed Chief Information Officer, effective January 3. Ms. Etzkorn will oversee all aspects of Information Technology (IT) for HSNi's two operating segments – HSN and Cornerstone – and provide the vision and direction needed to support the company's strategic and business objectives. She will report directly to Judy Schmeling, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HSNi.
In this newly created role of Chief Information Officer of HSNi, Ms. Etzkorn will be responsible for all aspects of information technology, including the strategic transformation of HSN's core processes and technologies that is currently underway. This long-term focus on HSN's systems will allow it to be more customer-centric, provide a seamless, integrated experience and become more operationally efficient. She will also be an integral partner in the continued development and execution of a technology roadmap across all of HSNi's digital platforms and provide the proper infrastructure to support the company's various technology platforms.
"With over 25 years of technology and IT expertise in the retail space, Karen has the necessary experience to provide the strategic IT vision, direction and leadership for all of our businesses," said Judy Schmeling, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HSNi. "We are thrilled to have her join us as we continue our efforts to lead transactional innovation and provide a more personalized, customized experience that will better serve our customers."
Ms. Etzkorn joins HSN from Ascena Retail, Inc, where she served as Senior Vice President and CIO. In this role, she is credited with integrating the IT functions of three brands at the company and consolidating its data centers. Prior to her role at Ascena Retail, Ms. Etzkorn served as Senior Vice President and CIO at Tween Brands, Inc. and has held senior technology positions at retailers including The Home Depot, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Gap, Inc., and Limited, Inc.
Ms. Etzkorn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Ohio State University.
About HSN, Inc.
HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSNI) is a $3 billion interactive multichannel retailer with strong direct-to-consumer expertise among its two operating segments, HSN and Cornerstone. HSNi offers innovative, differentiated retail experiences on TV, online, via mobile devices, in catalogs, and in brick and mortar stores. HSN, a leading interactive multichannel retailer which offers a curated assortment of exclusive products combined with top brand names, now reaches approximately 96 million homes (24 hours a day, seven days a week, live 364 days a year). HSN.com is a top 10 trafficked digital sales site that offers a differentiated digital experience by leveraging content, community and commerce. In addition to its existing media platforms, HSN is the industry leader in transactional innovation, including services such as HSN Shop by Remote®, the only service of its kind in the U.S., the HSN Shopping App for mobile handheld devices and HSN on Demand®. Cornerstone comprises leading home and apparel lifestyle brands including Ballard Designs®, Chasing Fireflies®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill®, Grandin Road®, Improvements® and TravelSmith®. Cornerstone distributes more than 300 million catalogs annually, operates eight separate digital sales sites and operates 11 retail and outlet stores.
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