Zale Corporation Announces Chief Financial Officer Change

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zale Corporation (NYSE: ZLC - News), a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America, today announced Rodney Carter, Chief Financial Officer, has left the Company effective immediately. Cindy Gordon has assumed the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer while a search of internal and external candidates is conducted for Mr. Carter’s replacement. Ms. Gordon will also continue to serve in her current role as Controller of the Company.

“We want to thank Rodney for all his contributions, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Neal Goldberg, Zale Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Gordon has served as Senior Vice President, Controller of the Company since February 2003. She began her career at Zale in October 1994, and has held various management positions including Vice President of Corporate Planning and Senior Director of Investor Relations. Prior to Zale, Ms. Gordon held financial positions with A Pea in the Pod, a maternity retailer, and with Ernst and Young LLP.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Cindy’s caliber and experience to serve as our Interim Chief Financial Officer,” said Mr. Goldberg.

About Zale Corporation

Zale Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of diamonds and other jewelry products in North America, operating approximately 2,120 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as online. Zale Corporation's brands include Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon's Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers, Mappins Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda. Zale also operates online at www.zales.com and www.gordonsjewelers.com. Additional information on Zale Corporation and its brands is available at www.zalecorp.com.

Zale Corporation
David Sternblitz, 972-580-5047
Vice President and Treasurer
or
Rhett Butler, 972-580-5047
Manager of Investor Relations