Deborah L. Ferree serves as Vice Chair and Chief Product & Merchandising Officer at Designer Brands Inc. (DBI), a leading footwear and accessories retailer operating under brands like DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and Shoe Station. With over 25 years of experience in retail merchandising and product development, Ferree has been instrumental in shaping DBI's product strategy and driving its growth. She joined DSW in 1997 as Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Allocation, rapidly advancing through key leadership roles including Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Product Development, President and Chief Operating Officer in 2010, and Chief Executive Officer in 2011. During her tenure as CEO, Ferree oversaw DSW's successful transition to a publicly traded company in 2010 and expanded its store footprint while enhancing its omnichannel capabilities amid the retail industry's digital shift. Her strategic vision led to significant revenue growth and positioned DSW as a dominant player in the value footwear market. In her current role, Ferree leads product design, merchandising, and supply chain initiatives, focusing on innovation, customer-centric assortments, and sustainable practices to deliver compelling products across DBI's portfolio. Ferree's achievements have earned her recognition as a retail industry leader, including board service at DBI since 2016 and advisory roles in the sector. A graduate of Ohio State University, she continues to champion data-driven merchandising and brand partnerships, ensuring Designer Brands remains agile and competitive in a dynamic marketplace.