Tilly's Appoints Nate Smith as New CEO, Effective August 18, 2025

Tilly's, Inc. has appointed Nate Smith as its new President and CEO, effective August 18, 2025. Smith brings extensive leadership experience from Marolina Outdoor, Inc. and Boardriders, Inc. Hezy Shaked, the current CEO, will transition to Executive Chairman. Smith will join the board of directors alongside his new role, and will work with Shaked and the team to revitalize and build upon Tilly's 43-year history as a prominent retailer of casual apparel and accessories.

Tilly's, Inc. (NYSE: TLYS), a leading destination specialty retailer of casual apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardgoods, has announced the appointment of Nate Smith as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective August 18, 2025. The appointment comes as part of a strategic leadership change aimed at revitalizing the company's brand and driving further improvements in its business operations.

Smith, who currently serves as the CEO of Marolina Outdoor, Inc., will also join the company's Board of Directors. Prior to his current role, he held executive positions at Boardriders, Inc., Oakley, Inc., IPATH Footwear, MV Transportation, Inc., and Patagonia, Inc. He has also served in the United States Navy for eight years. Smith's extensive industry experience and strategic vision are expected to contribute significantly to Tilly's growth and success.

In conjunction with Smith's appointment, Hezy Shaked, the current CEO and co-founder of Tilly's, will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. Shaked expressed confidence in Smith's leadership capabilities and strategic vision, stating, "We believe Nate’s combination of robust industry experience, core values, and strategic vision will help revitalize our brand and drive further improvements in our business during this important time" [1].

Smith commented on his new role, "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a company like Tillys. Tillys has had a strong track record of success over its 43-year history, and I am excited to work with Hezy, the Board and the team to revitalize and build upon that history" [1].

Tilly's, headquartered in Irvine, California, operates 232 stores across 33 states and has an extensive selection of iconic global, emerging, and proprietary brands. The company's focus on an active, outdoor, and social lifestyle has positioned it as a prominent retailer in the casual apparel and accessories market. With the appointment of Smith, Tilly's aims to leverage his industry expertise to enhance its operations and drive future growth.

The stock market has reacted positively to the news, with Tilly's shares jumping 10.7% in the afternoon session following the announcement. The positive investor reaction indicates confidence in Smith's leadership and the potential for improved business performance under his guidance [2].

The appointment of Nate Smith as President and CEO of Tilly's marks a significant milestone in the company's history, as it seeks to build upon its strong track record of success and adapt to the evolving market landscape.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tillys-inc-announces-appointment-nate-121500218.html
[2] https://www.tradingview.com/news/stockstory:bd5cbd586094b:0-why-tilly-s-tlys-stock-is-trading-up-today/