HHGregg hires new chief merchandising officer

Indianapolis-based HHGregg Inc. has hired a new chief merchandising officer—the fifth person in as many years to hold the position.

Aaron Trahan, 32, fills the role left vacant when HHGregg terminated its previous chief merchandising officer, Keith Zimmerman, in October.

Trahan comes to HHGregg from Texas-based Conn’s Home Plus, where he was vice president of merchandising. In that role, Trahan worked with the retailer’s major appliance, consumer electronics, and furniture and mattress merchandise categories. 

“As we shift our focus to expanding our furniture business in 2017, Aaron’s unique background and expertise will be a huge asset in helping to drive the future growth and success of hhgregg,” HHGregg President and CEO Robert Riesbeck said in a written statement Tuesday. “We are excited to add Aaron’s leadership in appliances, electronics and furniture merchandising to our executive team, and look forward to the contributions he is sure to make.”

Trahan was appointed to his new position on Monday, and he will receive a base salary of $325,000 per year, according to a disclosure HHGregg filed Tuesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

HHGregg has been struggling to find its footing in recent years, as sales of televisions and other consumer electronics have fallen sharply.

The company posted a loss of $18.3 million during the third quarter of 2016.

Shares of HHGregg’s stock traded at $1.46 Tuesday morning, down from $3.63 each a year ago.

HHGregg, which operates 220 stores in 19 states, has seen more than 10 senior executives depart since 2012, with some positions turning over multiple times.

Zimmerman had succeeded former Sears marketing executive Jeffrey Haines, who spent 20 months in the post.

Haines had replaced Michael Larimer, who was chief marketing officer from September 2009 through February 2012 and stepped back into the job in March 2013 after former Sears executive Douglas Moore lasted only four months.