Ross Stores appoints Shelley Bransten and Christian Johnson to board of directors

US off-price retail chain Ross Stores has announced changes to its board of directors, effective October 1, 2026.

The company has elected Shelley Bransten and Christian Johnson as new board members. Simultaneously, Sharon Garrett, a long-standing member of the board, has announced her intention to retire.

Bransten brings over 25 years of experience in senior technology and consumer industry roles. She currently serves as corporate vice president, frontier industry advisory, at US tech firm Microsoft Frontier Company. Prior to her current position, she was corporate vice president, global industry solutions, at Microsoft from 2023 to 2026. Her background also includes serving as senior vice president, retail and consumer goods industry, at software business Salesforce from 2014 to 2018, as well as holding various marketing positions at Gap from 1998 to 2014.

Johnson brings more than two decades of experience in investing and scaling consumer-focused businesses across retail, distribution, consumer products, and services. He has served as a partner at private equity firm Freeman Spogli since 2016, having initially joined the organization in 2006. Prior to Freeman Spogli, Johnson held positions at financial services firm Wachovia Securities and biotechnology company Genzyme Corporation.

“On behalf of the board, I am pleased to welcome Shelley and Chris to Ross,” said K. Gunnar Bjorklund, chairman of the board at Ross Stores. “Shelley brings extensive expertise across technology, retail, and consumer-focused businesses. Her leadership in innovation and customer engagement will provide valuable perspective to our board. Chris has a proven track record of investing in consumer-facing businesses across the retail, distribution, and services sectors. His experience in business strategy and growing consumer businesses will further strengthen our board.”

Bjorklund also expressed gratitude to Garrett for her 26 years of service to the retail group. Garrett joined the board of directors in 2000.