L.L. Bean has tapped company veteran Greg Elder as its next president and chief executive officer, the outdoor retailer said Friday.
He joined L.L.Bean in 2007. Before that, he held leadership roles at Eddie Bauer and Dayton Hudson Corporation (now Target). He replaces Stephen Smith, who is leaving after 10 years. Elder will ease into the role in Q1 and Smith will stay on the board as an adviser through March.
The two have worked closely together during Smith’s tenure, with Elder in various leadership roles including vice president of stores, vice president of retail and, most recently, chief retailer officer. This hire follows an extensive internal and external search to replace Smith, the company said.