Cato Executive and Leadership Team

Adeel Najmi, the Chief Executive Officer at Cato, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the specialty retailer. Najmi guides the company's expansion and market positioning within the fashion apparel and accessories sector, focusing on enhancing the customer experience across both retail stores and e-commerce platforms. This leadership involves aligning the company's diverse brand portfolio, including Cato, Cato Fashions, Cato Plus, It's Fashion, It's Fashion Metro, and Versona, with evolving consumer demands. Adeel Najmi ensures robust financial performance and sustainable growth by overseeing all business segments, including the critical credit services offered to customers. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes driving innovation in product assortment and operational efficiency to maintain Cato's competitive edge in the southeastern United States market.

Charles Knight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Cato, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Knight oversees budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and capital allocation, ensuring the company's financial health and stability. This leadership role is pivotal in managing the financial aspects of Cato's retail segment, including its diverse apparel and accessories offerings, as well as the credit services division. Charles Knight plays a key part in evaluating investment opportunities, managing corporate finance, and optimizing the company's capital structure to support expansion across the southeastern United States. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with all financial regulations and drives initiatives to enhance profitability and shareholder value through sound financial management.

James Podlasek, the Senior VP Chief Information Officer at Cato, architects and executes the company's comprehensive technology strategy. Podlasek oversees the integration and optimization of all IT infrastructure, ensuring seamless operation of both the retail segment and the credit services division. This involves managing the technology backbone that supports Cato's extensive network of stores and its e-commerce websites across the southeastern United States. The Senior VP Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation initiatives, enhancing customer engagement through advanced e-commerce capabilities and data analytics. James Podlasek ensures robust cybersecurity measures and data integrity, safeguarding sensitive customer information and proprietary business data. This role is critical for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting the company's growth objectives through technological innovation.

Norm Graf, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Cato, spearheads the company's information technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Graf manages the development and implementation of technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience across Cato's retail and credit segments. This includes overseeing the technology supporting the company's e-commerce platforms and physical store operations throughout the southeastern United States. The Senior VP & Chief Information Officer focuses on leveraging technology to drive business growth, improve data analytics capabilities, and ensure the security and reliability of IT systems. Norm Graf's responsibilities encompass managing IT budgets, leading technology teams, and fostering innovation to maintain Cato's competitive advantage in the dynamic retail landscape.

Toby Ryan, the Chief of Staff & Co-Founder at Cato, provides strategic support and operational oversight across key business functions. Ryan collaborates closely with executive leadership to drive strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with the company's mission and long-term objectives. This role involves facilitating communication and coordination between departments, optimizing internal processes, and supporting the execution of critical projects within the retail and credit segments. The Chief of Staff & Co-Founder plays an integral part in shaping company culture and driving operational excellence throughout the organization's presence in the southeastern United States. Toby Ryan contributes to strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring efficient resource allocation and effective implementation of business strategies.