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April 23 2024

Great Clips, Inc. Announces Executive Leadership Transitions

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (April 23, 2024) — Great Clips, Inc. announces a series of changes to its corporate leadership structure designed to execute the company’s strategic plan, support franchisees, and maintain a powerful and enduring brand.

Leadership changes include Rachelle Johnson promoted to Chief Financial Officer – which includes assuming leadership of the Business Intelligence group; Kevin Barnd promoted to Vice President of Business Technology Services; and Mari Fellrath moving into a newly created role: Senior Director of Operations Applications and Reporting.

“As the world’s largest salon brand, we are constantly evolving to better serve our customers and franchisee owners,” said Steve Hockett, CEO of Great Clips Inc. “These executive leadership changes will enable us to further improve business operations, drive innovation and ultimately enhance the customer experience. We are excited to recognize Rachelle, Kevin, and Mari for their hard work. Their dedication will enable us to enhance and grow our brand for years to come.” 

These executive leadership appointments follow news that Great Clips was ranked first in the Hair Care category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the seventh year in a row. The brand also recently relaunched its website (www.GreatClips.com) with a variety of new features and enhancements designed to create a more user-friendly experience leading up to and during an in-salon visit.

Rachelle Johnson Promoted to Chief Financial Officer; Assuming Leadership of the Business Intelligence (BI) Group
Rachelle Johnson has worked at Great Clips, Inc. for over 25 years. In 2005, Rachelle was promoted to Director of Finance and created the foundation of the GCI Business Intelligence (BI) area. Rachelle was promoted to Vice President of Finance in 2015 and added the title of Treasurer. The BI team will now report to Rachelle. 

Kevin Barnd Promoted to Vice President of Business Technology Services
Kevin Barnd joined Great Clips, Inc. in 2011 as an Applications Developer. He later held various positions including Application Development Manager, Senior Manager of Application Development, Director of Application Development and Innovation, and Director of Product Strategy and Innovation. Functional areas now reporting to Kevin include Technology Governance, Salon Technology, Data Management, Solutions Delivery and Product Strategy.

Mari Fellrath Appointed to Newly Created Senior Director of Operations Applications and Reporting
Mari Fellrath has held executive leadership positions at Great Clips, Inc. for more than 28 years spanning HR, Franchise Services, Operations, Technology and Business Intelligence. In this new position, she will lead the business strategy and launch of technology and reporting products, while continuing to drive large technology initiatives forward.

About Great Clips, Inc. 
Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has over 4,400 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips is 100 percent franchised, and salons are owned locally by nearly 700 franchisees across the U.S. and Canada. Great Clips franchisees employ more than 29,000 stylists. Great Clips franchised salons provide value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. Getting a great haircut at a Great Clips salon is more convenient than ever with Online Check-In, ReadyNext® text alerts and Clip Notes®. To check in online, visit app.GreatClips.com or download the free app. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit GreatClips.com.

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