Vera Bradley Board Member Frances P. Philip to Step Down Ahead of 2025 Shareholder Meeting
FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a significant announcement today, Vera Bradley (NASDAQ: VRA), a renowned designer of womens handbags and accessories, revealed that long-serving board member Frances P. Philip has decided not to seek re-election during the upcoming 2025 Shareholder Meeting. Ms. Philip has been an invaluable part of the companys Board since her appointment in 2011 and has played a crucial role in various committees throughout her tenure.
Throughout her 14 years with the company, Frances P. Philip has been a key figure on both the Talent and Compensation Committee, and the Nominating, Governance, and Sustainability Committee. Most notably, she has held the position of Lead Independent Director since 2022, bringing to the table her extensive experience in product development, branding, marketing, and retail operations. This wealth of knowledge has allowed her to provide strategic insights that have significantly shaped the companys direction.
Robert Hall, the Chairman of the Vera Bradley Board of Directors, expressed his gratitude for Frances's contributions, stating, Frances has been a highly respected and influential member of the Companys Board of Directors over the past 14 years. Her deep strategic insight and broad expertise in merchandising and product development have been important perspectives in the Companys journey. On behalf of the Board and the entire Company, I extend our sincere gratitude for her dedicated service. His remarks highlight the esteem in which Ms. Philip is held within the organization and the impact of her leadership.
In her farewell statement, Ms. Philip reflected on her time with the company, saying, Its been an honor to serve on the Vera Bradley Board, and I remain confident in Vera Bradleys continued success and promising future. This sentiment underscores her commitment to the brand and her belief in its potential moving forward.
As Ms. Philip steps down, Vera Bradley will continue to have a strong Board presence composed of seven remaining members, each possessing a diverse set of skills and backgrounds that will help steer the company into the next phase of its growth.
About Vera Bradley, Inc.
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Vera Bradley is recognized as a leading designer of womens handbags, luggage, travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Co-founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand has established itself through its innovative designs, signature patterns, and vibrant colors, resonating with women around the globe.
The company operates through two primary segments: Vera Bradley Direct (VB Direct) and Vera Bradley Indirect (VB Indirect). The VB Direct segment encompasses sales through Vera Bradleys Full-Line and Outlet stores across the United States, as well as its online platforms, including www.verabradley.com, outlet.verabradley.com, and international.verabradley.com. The VB Indirect segment involves sales to around 1,200 specialty retail locations across the nation, alongside partnerships with select department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, and inventory liquidators.
Website Information
Vera Bradley regularly updates important information for investors on its website in the Investor Relations section. This webpage serves as a vital source for disclosing material, non-public information and fulfilling its obligations under Regulation FD. Investors are encouraged to monitor this section alongside the companys press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations, and webcasts for the latest updates.
Individuals interested in the companys initiatives can also access the most recent Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report, which outlines its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, available at
Hana Takahashi
