Vera Bradley Announces Appointment of Melinda Paraie as Chief Brand Officer

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley, Inc. (“Vera Bradley” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:VRA) today announced the appointment of Melinda Paraie as the Company’s Chief Brand Officer effective November 1, 2025.

“We are pleased that Melinda is joining the Company at this pivotal moment as we implement our comprehensive strategy to revitalize our market position," said Ian Bickley, Executive Chairman of Vera Bradley. "Melinda's extensive merchandise, design and marketing expertise with iconic brands such as Coach and Cath Kidston makes her ideally suited to help drive our integrated approach to product innovation, strategic merchandising, and targeted marketing. Her experience will be instrumental as we leverage our brand's proven emotional connection with consumers to re-engage our loyal customer base while expanding our reach to new market segments and elevating how we show up across all shopping channels."

Ms. Paraie served as the Chief Executive Officer of Cath Kidston where she managed the brand through its digital transformation, challenging business environment, during COVID-19 and eventual sale. Previously, she was a key leader at Tapestry, Inc. (formerly, Coach, Inc.) (NYSE: TPR), for more than ten years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Merchandising for North America and prior to that for the APAC region. Her contribution was an important part of Coach’s global expansion which saw sales outside North America grow by more than $1 Billion during her tenure. Ms. Paraie was a key part of the leadership team that saw success globally in revitalizing Coach’s product offerings. Ms. Paraie also served as Chief Merchandising Officer for John Hardy and acted as a strategic advisor to several other brands, including The Body Shop, Adolfo Dominguez and Vera Bradley.

"Melinda has been working with the Company in a strategic consulting role for the past six months, where she has already made significant contributions to our design and merchandising initiatives," added Mr. Bickley. "We are thrilled to formalize this partnership by welcoming her as our Chief Brand Officer, a key leadership role as we execute our strategy to strengthen our market position and deepen consumer engagement."

About Vera Bradley, Inc.

Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.