Posted: 05/03/2025 03:14 am
Vera Bradley, Inc., a prominent entity in the leather and leather products industry, has been making headlines for a variety of reasons recently, ranging from strategic governance changes to fluctuating stock prices. Integral to understanding the company's current challenges and opportunities is an examination of its executive compensation trends.
One of the notable changes on the compensation front involves Alison Hiatt, the Chief Marketing Officer, who, in 2024, received a total compensation package of $920,974. This includes a base salary of $407,693, a stock award valued at $249,999, and incentive plan compensation of $247,164. Unique among recent executive compensations, Hiatt did not receive any options or bonuses during this fiscal year, reflecting a compensation structure possibly linked to the company’s strategic priorities[1].
Conversely, John Enwright, the former Chief Financial Officer, received a substantial total compensation package of $1,701,449 in 2024. Enwright's compensation included a base salary of $184,988 and a notable bonus of $250,000. With stock awards amounting to $275,001 and additional other compensation of $879,311, Enwright’s package reflects a remuneration aligned with his financial duties and perhaps his exit terms from the company[2].
In contrast, the fiscal year 2023 saw Jacqueline Ardrey, President and CEO, earning a much heftier package totaling $3,132,637. This included bonuses of $860,000 and significant stock awards valued over $1.9 million, alongside other compensations. Such figures underline the importance placed on leadership stability and performance incentivization amid management’s efforts to navigate through a challenging market landscape[3].
Stepping back into 2021, Robert Wallstrom, then president and CEO, received $2,708,765, which was structured with a balance of fixed salary and significant stock awards and incentives. This evidences a longstanding approach to driving executive focus towards stockholder value creation via equity-linked compensation[4].
Notably, Beatrice Mac Cabe, the Chief Creative Officer in 2020, earned $847,531, showing consistency in linking executive pay to creative leadership key to product innovation—the backbone of the company’s identity[5].
Presently, Vera Bradley is navigating an intense period marked by corporate restructuring and refreshed leadership, illustrated by the recent appointment of Andrew Meslow to its board of directors[6]. The stock price, standing at $1.98 as of late, reflects market skepticism but also holds potential upside given past performance ebbs and ongoing strategic initiatives[7].
This executive compensation review not only encapsulates the financial narrative at Vera Bradley but also serves as a reflection of its adaptive strategies in response to market pressures and operational objectives. As the company moves forward, how these compensation structures align with its broader strategy will be pivotal to watch.
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1. SEC Filing: [Vera Bradley, Inc. 2024 Executive Compensation Report - Alison Hiatt](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1495320/000119312525096745/0001193125-25-096745-index.htm).
2. SEC Filing: [Vera Bradley, Inc. 2024 Executive Compensation Report - John Enwright](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1495320/000119312524115587/0001193125-24-115587-index.htm).
3. SEC Filing: [Vera Bradley, Inc. 2023 Executive Compensation Report - Jacqueline Ardrey](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1495320/000119312523110460/0001193125-23-110460-index.htm).
4. SEC Filing: [Vera Bradley, Inc. 2021 Executive Compensation Report - Robert Wallstrom](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1495320/000119312522114867/0001193125-22-114867-index.htm).
5. SEC Filing: [Vera Bradley, Inc. 2020 Executive Compensation Report - Beatrice Mac Cabe](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1495320/000119312521154658/0001193125-21-154658-index.htm).
6. Press Release: [Vera Bradley Continues Board Refreshment with Appointment of Andrew Meslow](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/10/3023369/17650/en/Vera-Bradley-Continues-Board-Refreshment-with-Appointment-of-Andrew-Meslow-Former-CEO-of-Bath-and-Body-Works.html).
7. Current Market Data: [Vera Bradley, Inc. Stock Overview](https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/vra).
