Ashley Stewart Executive and Leadership Team

Kristen Gaskins, the President & Chief Merchandising Officer at Ashley Stewart, oversees the entire product lifecycle from design conceptualization to retail distribution. By curating collections specifically for curvy women, Gaskins ensures that every garment meets high standards of fit and style. The President & Chief Merchandising Officer manages vendor relationships and supply chain logistics to maintain inventory levels across all retail channels. Through rigorous analysis of sales data, Gaskins identifies emerging fashion trends to inform future product development. This leadership role involves coordinating with marketing and finance departments to ensure that merchandising strategies align with broader company goals. Kristen Gaskins drives operational excellence by streamlining the procurement process and reducing overhead costs. By focusing on product quality and customer satisfaction, the President & Chief Merchandising Officer strengthens the market presence of the brand. Gaskins ensures that the company remains a leader in the plus-size fashion industry through consistent innovation.

Judith Wolfe, the President, Forest City Finance at Ashley Stewart, manages the financial infrastructure and capital allocation strategies for the organization. By overseeing fiscal planning and budgetary controls, Wolfe ensures the financial health of the company. The President, Forest City Finance directs investment decisions that support retail expansion and infrastructure upgrades. Through detailed financial modeling, Wolfe provides the executive team with actionable insights regarding profitability and cost management. This leadership role involves maintaining relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders to secure necessary funding for growth initiatives. Judith Wolfe monitors economic indicators to mitigate risks and capitalize on market opportunities within the retail sector. By optimizing cash flow and financial reporting processes, the President, Forest City Finance supports the overall strategic objectives of the business. Wolfe ensures that all financial operations remain transparent and aligned with the long-term vision of the company, ultimately driving sustainable value for the organization.

Jenn Ruskowski, the Chief Marketing Officer at Ashley Stewart, directs all brand engagement and digital outreach strategies. By analyzing consumer trends within the plus-size retail sector, Ruskowski architects campaigns that resonate with curvy women across North American markets. The Chief Marketing Officer manages multi-channel advertising budgets to maximize customer acquisition and retention. Through data-driven insights, Ruskowski optimizes the digital shopping experience to ensure brand consistency. This leadership role involves close collaboration with merchandising teams to align promotional calendars with inventory availability. By leveraging social media platforms and influencer partnerships, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the company. Jenn Ruskowski maintains a focus on building community loyalty through authentic storytelling. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer drives revenue growth by positioning the brand as a premier destination for inclusive fashion, ensuring that marketing initiatives directly support the long-term commercial objectives of the organization.

Mark Gunn, the Owner at Ashley Stewart, provides high-level strategic vision and capital oversight for the retail enterprise. By evaluating market opportunities in the plus-size clothing industry, Gunn determines the long-term direction of the company. The Owner monitors financial performance and operational efficiency to ensure sustainable profitability. Through active engagement with the executive team, Gunn aligns corporate goals with the evolving needs of the customer base. This leadership role involves assessing risk and identifying potential areas for expansion within the competitive retail landscape. Mark Gunn maintains a focus on maintaining the brand legacy while fostering innovation in product design and service delivery. By prioritizing fiscal health and market relevance, the Owner secures the stability of the business. Gunn directs the overarching mission to provide stylish, accessible fashion for curvy women, ensuring that every strategic decision reinforces the core values and market position of the company.