Vans Inc.: The maker of athletic shoes...

Vans Inc.: The maker of athletic shoes said Wednesday that it has appointed its controller, Karen J. Ratcliff, to vice president and chief financial officer.

Ratcliff, 41, will replace Winston E. Hickman, who is leaving the Orange-based company July 31 to pursue other business interests. He said he did not know what he would do next.

Ratcliff joined Vans as controller in early 1991. She was acting chief financial officer from February to September, 1992. Before joining Vans, Ratcliff worked as assistant chief accountant for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s division of corporation finance. She also held numerous positions at accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick.