WAYNE, NJ, 2014-7-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us, Inc. today announced that it has named Michael J. Short Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc., effective June 23. Mr. Short, 53, a seasoned finance executive with broad retail and corporate development experience, was most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AutoNation for seven years. He will serve as a member of the company’s Global Executive Committee and report to Antonio Urcelay, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Mr. Urcelay said, “We are delighted to have Mike join the organization during this transformational time for our company and look forward to the benefit of his strong financial and strategic experience, as well as his unique insights and fresh perspective on the business.”
Prior to his most recent role at AutoNation, Mr. Short was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal Orlando. Earlier in his career, he served in a variety of finance roles at Universal Orlando, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. and IBM Corporation. Mr. Short was also a helicopter pilot and tactics instructor for the United States Navy, based out of Norfolk, VA. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and received a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University.
Mr. Short said, “I am excited to join the Toys“R”Us team to help lead the successful execution of the company’s ‘TRU Transformation’ strategy and position the business for profitable growth in the future.”
Mr. Short succeeds Clay Creasey, who has left the organization after eight years.
About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 879 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 705 international stores and over 190 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites includingToysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrusand Twitter.com/Babiesrus.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. All statements herein that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in our reports and documents filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which reports and documents should be read in conjunction with this press release). We believe that all forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions when made; however, we caution that it is impossible to predict actual results or outcomes or the effects of risks, uncertainties or other factors on anticipated results or outcomes and that, accordingly, one should not place undue reliance on these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements in light of subsequent events or developments. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from anticipated results or outcomes discussed in any forward-looking statement.
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For more information, please contact:
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Kathleen Waugh
973-617-5888 or 646-366-8823
waughk@toysrus.com