Torrid chief financial officer Paula Dempsey steps down

US direct-to-consumer apparel brand Torrid Holdings (Torrid) has announced that chief financial officer Paula Dempsey has resigned to pursue another opportunity. Dempsey will remain in the role through mid-November to ensure a smooth transition.

Torrid has appointed Will Langley as interim chief financial officer, effective October 28, 2026. Langley brings 20 years of experience from department store chain Belk, where he served as chief financial officer from January 2020 through May 2025.

Prior to his role as chief financial officer at Belk, Langley held several senior finance positions at the business, including vice president of treasury and finance and director of financial planning and analysis.

“On behalf of everyone at Torrid, I want to thank Paula for her many contributions over the past several years, including her leadership of our store optimization efforts,” said Torrid chief executive officer Lisa Harper. “She helped strengthen our financial foundation through disciplined capital allocation and expense management. We wish her well in her next endeavor.”

Harper added that Langley’s strategic contributions and extensive financial background from his tenure at Belk make him well suited to guide the finance division as the business executes its operational priorities.

“I am pleased to join Torrid at this important time and look forward to working with Lisa and the leadership team,” said Langley.