Express CEO Michael Weiss to step down

American retail chain, Express Inc, has confirmed that its chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Weiss,

will retire as CEO in January 2015 when the specialty apparel retailer's fiscal year ends.

Current president David Kornberg will assume the added role of CEO, while Weiss will remain on the board serving as a non-executive chairman of the company’s board of directors.

Commenting on his retirement, Weiss said: "It's been a joy and a privilege to lead this incredible business since its inception 34 years ago. The end of the current fiscal year, in January 2015, is an appropriate time for me to scale back my daily involvement in the business.

“I will be leaving Express in the hands of a deep and talented management team, and I am confident that under David's direction, the Company will successfully evolve into an omni-channel brand. And of course, since I will remain in my role as Chairman of the Board, I'll continue supporting the execution of the Company's strategic plan."

Weiss’ career with Express began more than 30 years ago in 1980, when he joined what was then an eight-store experimental division of Limited Brands as its merchandise manager. He became president of Express in 1982, subsequently becoming its CEO as well. Following his 2004 retirement, he returned in 2007 when the brand was purchased by Golden Gate Capital.

Since his return to Express, the company has launched its rapidly growing e-commerce platform; opened international franchise locations and entered Canada; and opened its first outlet stores, which to date, are exceeding expectations.