Gerry Gardner has more than 25 years in of experience in managing business to create value for shareholders and owners. From 1998 to 2002, Gerry was Vice- President and Chief Operating Officer for Laura Ashley North America. This was the United States operation of Laura Ashley PLC. In this capacity, Gerry was responsible for the restructuring of the North American operation. This encompassed the restructuring of the Laura Ashley store portfolio, installing a comprehensive MIS system, and creating Laura Ashley, North America as a stand-alone company in the US as a franchise of Laura Ashley PLC.

In 2002, Gerry led an initiative to acquire the Laura Ashley North American operations. As a part of this process, Gerry created the business plan, worked with investment consultants and assembled a management group to run the business.

Gerry’s prior experience includes thirteen years at Talbot’s in various capacities as a member of the senior management team that successfully executed Talbot’s rapid retail and catalog expansion. During his tenure, Talbot’s grew from $60 million dollars in sales to $625. Gerry’s responsibilities included accounting, financial reporting, treasury, and financial system management. For the last six years at Talbot’s, Gerry held the position of Controller and Assistant Treasurer.

Gerry has significant experience in both consulting and management roles with start-ups and turn around situations, utilizing his experience to provide profit improvement, information systems improvements, and controlled growth. He holds an undergraduate degree in Finance and Accounting from Stonehill College, and an MBA from Babson College.