Former Supervalu Exec Knous Joins Apparel Retailer as EVP/CFO

Pamela K. Knous, former EVP and CFO of Supervalu from September 1997 to July 2010, has joined Chico’s FAS, Inc., as EVP/CFO/CAO. With responsibilities for principal finance, accounting, investor relations, and strategic planning, Knous, 57, succeeds Kent A. Kleeberger, who earlier this year was named EVP/COO for the Fort Meyers, Fla.-based 1,206-store women’s specialty apparel retailer.

Reporting directly to Chico’s FAS president/CEO David F. Dyer, Knous brings extensive experience to her new post after her career at Supervalu, where she was responsible for finance, accounting, information technology, strategic planning, investor relations and its former California-based Bristol Farms retail subsidiary. Knous previously served as EVP/CFO and treasurer of The Vons Cos., Inc., now part of Safeway Inc., and prior to that, a partner in the Los Angeles office of KPMG Peat Marwick, the international audit, tax and advisory firm.

Knous currently serves as Audit Committee Chair of the National Board of the American Heart Association and has also served on the board of The Tennant Co.

Chico’s FAS includes its namesake brand, which operates 598 boutique and 75 outlet stores, in addition to a catalog and e-commerce site; 354 White House | Black Market boutiques, as well as 24 outlets and a catalog; and Soma Intimates, which has 141 boutique stores, 14 outlets and a catalog.