TOPEKA, Kan.-W. Paul Jones, formerly chairman, president and CEO of Shopko, has been named CEO of Payless Holdings.
Jones will assume his new post on Oct. 22. He had served as Shopko’s CEO since 2009.
Earlier this year, when Shopko merged with Pamida, he was named chairman, president and CEO of the combined company. Along with the merger, Jones is credited with spearheading the creation of the smaller Shopko Hometown format and with the launch of the retailer’s e-commerce platform.
Prior to joining Shopko, Jones held key merchandising positions with Sears and Kohl’s. Before then, he served in executive posts for May Department Store Co.’s Foley’s and Meier & Frank divisions.
A Shopko spokeswoman said the company has begun a national search for Jones’ successor. In the meantime, Mike Bettiga, executive vice president and chief operating officer, will serve as interim CEO.