SHELBURNE, Vt. (AP) -- Vermont Teddy Bear Co. is turning to a veteran marketing executive for its top job.
The Shelburne company, which makes gift bears and other novelties, announced Monday that John Gilbert -- former marketing chief for The TJX Companies, Inc. -- has been named president and CEO.
Gilbert, a specialist in brand management, advertising and consumer strategy, formerly worked for Dunkin' Donuts, Yum! and PepsiCo, Inc. Vermont Teddy Bear board chairman Bob Crowley says the 52-year-old Gilbert is a natural choice to lead the company's next chapter.
Vermont Teddy Bear, which is a direct-to-consumer company, announced in January that it was laying off 35 people and closing a retail store to cope with the economic downturn.