Cato Executive and Leadership Team

Adeel Najmi, the Chief Executive Officer at Cato, directs the overarching corporate strategy and business development initiatives. Najmi guides the company's expansion across its various retail banners, including Cato, Cato Plus, It's Fashion, It's Fashion Metro, and Versona, ensuring alignment with market demands for fashion apparel and accessories. This leadership role involves optimizing the operational framework for both physical stores and e-commerce platforms, driving revenue growth and enhancing customer engagement. Adeel Najmi also oversees strategic partnerships and financial planning, solidifying Cato's market position in the southeastern United States. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to fostering innovation in product merchandising and customer service, directly impacting the company's long-term profitability and competitive advantage.

Charles Knight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Cato, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the corporation. Knight oversees budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and capital allocation across Cato's retail and credit segments, ensuring financial health and stability. This executive role is integral to managing the financial performance of the company's diverse apparel and accessories offerings and its e-commerce ventures. Charles Knight also guides investment strategies and risk management, supporting the company's expansion and operational objectives throughout the southeastern United States. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures compliance with financial regulations and drives initiatives to maximize shareholder value and sustainable growth.

Lainy Jahnke, the Chief Operating Officer at Cato, manages the day-to-day operational execution across all company segments, including Retail and Credit. Jahnke oversees the complex logistics of inventory management, supply chain efficiency, and store operations for Cato's extensive network of locations. This critical function ensures seamless integration between the company's physical retail presence and its e-commerce channels, supporting the broad offering of apparel and accessories. Lainy Jahnke also directs customer service standards and operational policies, aiming to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers across the southeastern United States. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include driving operational improvements and cost efficiencies to support the company's financial objectives and market competitiveness.

James Podlasek, the Senior VP Chief Information Officer at Cato, architects and executes the company's technology strategy, overseeing all information systems and digital infrastructure. Podlasek directs the development and maintenance of the IT environment supporting both the retail operations and the credit services segment, ensuring robust and secure systems. This leadership position involves managing the technology backbone for Cato's diverse brand portfolio, including its e-commerce websites, which are crucial for reaching customers across the southeastern United States. James Podlasek also spearheads digital transformation initiatives, enhancing data analytics capabilities and improving the technological tools available to employees and customers. The Senior VP Chief Information Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency and support business growth.

Norm Graf, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Cato, drives the strategic direction and implementation of information technology solutions across the organization. Graf oversees the technological infrastructure that supports Cato's extensive retail operations and credit services, ensuring system reliability and security for all brands, including Cato, It's Fashion, and Versona. This role is pivotal in managing the digital platforms that enable the company to offer fashion apparel and accessories to customers throughout the southeastern United States. Norm Graf also leads initiatives focused on data management, cybersecurity, and the integration of new technologies to enhance business processes and customer experiences. The Senior VP & Chief Information Officer's efforts are critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving retail technology landscape.

Toby Ryan, the Chief of Staff & Co-Founder at Cato, provides strategic support and operational oversight, acting as a key liaison across various business functions. Ryan collaborates closely with executive leadership to drive strategic initiatives and ensure effective execution of the company's vision for fashion apparel and accessories retail. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects and enhancing communication channels to support the seamless operation of Cato's brands and e-commerce platforms. Toby Ryan also contributes to the development of corporate strategy and operational improvements, reinforcing Cato's presence in the southeastern United States. The Chief of Staff & Co-Founder's influence is critical in aligning organizational efforts with the company's long-term goals and market objectives.