CEO Selected at AnnTaylor

AnnTaylor Stores Corp. has named Sally Frame Kasaks, former president of the specialty apparel chain, as its chairman and chief executive.

Kasaks, 47, has been president of Abercrombie & Fitch, a division of Limited Inc., since 1989. She succeeds the retiring Joseph E. Brooks.

Her appointment will bring her back to AnnTaylor after a seven-year absence.

Kasaks takes over at a difficult time for the women’s clothing chain. It has suffered a 1.6% drop in sales at its stores open at least a year.

The company’s merchandise is aimed at upscale consumers. Many higher-end stores have been hit hard by the consumer spending slump.

Before joining Abercrombie & Fitch, Kasaks was chairwoman of Talbots, another upscale women’s chain. She was president of AnnTaylor from 1983-85 after serving as director of stores and general merchandise manager.

AnnTaylor also announced that Joseph J. Schumm, its executive vice president for administration, has been promoted to president.

The retailer operates 200 stores in 37 states and the District of Columbia.