Business

ANN TAYLOR HIRES BEAUTY ‘QUEEN’

Ann Taylor Stores is moving fast to beef up its ranks ahead of the launch of the specialty retailer’s new beauty collection.

Ann Taylor is expected to announce this week that it has hired Debi Theis to head up the marketing of its beauty line, The Post has learned.

Theis, who is currently senior vice president of marketing at Victoria’s Secret Beauty and also worked in marketing at Estee Lauder, is considered a rising star in the industry.

The move underscores the importance that the new beauty division, which will include fragrances, skin care products and makeup, plays in Ann Taylor’s new growth strategy.

Last month, the company hired Robert Luzzi, another former Estee Lauder executive, as its chief marketing officer. Luzzi said his initialfocus will be on the beauty collection, which is set to launch in stores in mid-November, in time for the holidays.

A spokesperson for Ann Taylor declined to comment.