Brookstone Names Steve Schwartz Interim President and CEO Following Resignation of James M. Speltz

MERRIMACK, N.H., Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Brookstone, the product development company and specialty retailer with 240 stores in malls and airports across the U.S., found online at Brookstone.com and in catalogs, today announced the resignation of James M. Speltz, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"Jim took on the President and CEO role at a challenging time, helping the company navigate through a difficult period. He successfully helped Brookstone emerge from Chapter 11 in June. We are grateful to him for his leadership and contributions," said Piau Phang Foo, Chairman of the Brookstone Board of Directors. "We wish him success as he pursues his next challenge." 

Steve Schwartz, the Company's Chief Merchandising Officer, has been appointed by the Board to serve as Interim President and CEO.  Mr. Schwartz has been with Brookstone for 15 years, and has led the Merchandising, Product Development and Marketing teams at Brookstone for the last three years.  

Mr. Schwartz said, "We have a strong senior management team in place, supported by the retail industry's most talented and dedicated managers and sales associates. We are looking forward to an excellent holiday season, with great new products and some very exciting partnerships to be announced over the next two weeks. We are positioned for solid growth in the year ahead."

Mr. Schwartz added, "Driving product innovation is our number one goal. Moving forward, we are investing more in design and engineering through our award winning Brookstone Design Lab, as well as expanding our partnerships with inventors, global innovators and crowdfunded partners. These initiatives will help us strengthen our offering of unique and innovative products and gifts."

SOURCE Brookstone