Lands' End is searching for a new CEO

Federica Marchionni, who tried to bring a more luxurious flair to middle-American retailer Lands’ End, has stepped down from her role as CEO, the company announced Monday.

Marchionni’s turbulent tenure came to an end less than two years after she took the helm of the Dodgeville, Wis.- based retailer. James Gooch, Lands’ End’s executive vice president and chief operating and financial officer, and Joseph Boitano, the retailer’s executive vice president and chief merchandising and design officer will serve as co-CEO, as the company launches a search for a permanent replacement.

Marchionni, who previously worked for the high end fashion label, Dolce & Gabbana, had a background and style that at times clashed with the sensibilities of a company known for its stolid outerwear. An interview with feminist icon Gloria Steinem in the company’s spring catalog triggered backlash, first from anti-abortion activists who disagreed with Steinem’s opposing stance, and then from supporters of abortion rights after Lands’ End apologized for the feature.

But perhaps what concerned the retailer’s board of directors was Marchionni's inability to assemble a strategy that rallied sales.  Last fiscal year, the company's sales declined 8.7%.

Josephine Linden, chairman of the Lands’ End board said in a statement that Marchionni’s “creative vision has helped Lands' End begin its transformation as a global lifestyle brand with a broader merchandise offering that is more relevant in today's marketplace’’

Marchionni said in the statement that she was “honored to have led this extraordinary company . . .However, the Board of Directors and I have agreed it is time for others to bring Lands' End into the future.’’