Companies

Designer Brands appoints new CFO

Feb 18, 2026 United States

The parent company of DSW and brands such as Topo Athletic, has appointed Sheamus Toal as its new Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer

“Sheamus brings an exceptional blend of financial expertise and operational leadership, with a strong track record of navigating complexity and building resilient, high-performing organizations”, said Doug Howe, Chief Executive Officer of Designer Brands.

He joined the company from The Children’s Place, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he is credited with strengthening liquidity, optimising a digitally driven business model and delivering significant cost savings and earnings improvements.

Toal previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Saatva.com and spent over a decade in senior leadership roles at the publicly traded multi-brand retailer New York & Company, including 12 years as Chief Financial Officer and later as Chief Executive Officer.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join Designer Brands and work alongside such a talented leadership team during an incredibly exciting and transformative period”, commented Sheamus Toal. “I look forward to partnering closely across the organization to build on the strong foundation already in place, strengthen our financial and operational capabilities, and support the company's long-term growth strategy”.

Mark Haley, who has served as Interim Principal Financial Officer during the transition period, will now return to his position as Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer on a full-time basis.

Image Credits: investors.designerbrands.com

United States Companies Designer Brands Footwear Management