Women’s apparel and sportswear brand Wet Seal Inc has appointed Maria Comfort president and chief merchandise officer for its Wet Seal division. She will join the firm on August 25.

Ms Comfort’s merchandising career spans more than 25 years. Her previous roles include president of the 9 & Co. division of Nine West Group, executive vice president for Giorgio Armani Corp and merchandising vice president for Contempo Casuals. Most recently, Ms Comfort served as a chief merchandising officer for Hot Topic.