Victoria's Secret (NYSE: VSXY) taps ex-Starbucks CTO for board seat
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VSXY) reported that its Board of Directors approved an increase in board size from nine to ten directors, effective September 14, 2026, and appointed Gerri Martin-Flickinger to fill the new seat. The Board determined she is independent under New York Stock Exchange listing standards, and she will also join the Audit Committee on that date. Her compensation will follow the existing plan for non-employee directors, and she will enter into the company’s standard indemnification agreement. Following her appointment, the Board will have nine independent directors and eight women, reflecting an emphasis on governance diversity and technology expertise aligned with the company’s Path to Potential strategy.
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8-K Event Classification
2 items: 5.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Board size after change: 10 directors
Independent directors: 9 directors
Women directors: 8 directors
+4 more
7 metrics
Board size after change
10 directors
Effective September 14, 2026, following appointment of Gerri Martin-Flickinger
Independent directors
9 directors
Board composition effective September 14, 2026
Women directors
8 directors
Board composition effective September 14, 2026
Effective appointment date
September 14, 2026
Date Gerri Martin-Flickinger joins the Board and Audit Committee
Number of associates
more than 30,000 associates
Global workforce of Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Retail stores
approximately 1,420 retail stores
Global store count in approximately 70 countries
Countries of operation
approximately 70 countries
Global footprint of Victoria’s Secret & Co. brands
Key Terms
independent director, Audit Committee, indemnification agreement, Path to Potential strategy, +2 more
6 terms
independent director regulatory
"The Board determined that Ms. Martin-Flickinger is independent under the listing standards"
An independent director is a member of a company's board of directors who is not involved in the company's day-to-day operations and has no significant relationships with the company that could influence their judgment. Their role is to provide unbiased oversight and ensure the company is managed in the best interests of all shareholders. This helps build trust and confidence among investors by promoting transparency and accountability.
Audit Committee regulatory
"Ms. Martin-Flickinger will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee"
A company's audit committee is a small group of board members who act like independent inspectors for the firm's finances, overseeing how financial reports are prepared, monitoring internal controls, and managing the relationship with external auditors. Investors care because a strong audit committee reduces the risk of accounting errors, fraud, or misleading statements, making financial statements more trustworthy and helping protect shareholder value.
indemnification agreement regulatory
"Ms. Martin-Flickinger will enter into the Company’s standard form of indemnification agreement"
An indemnification agreement is a contract in which one party promises to cover losses, costs, or legal claims that another party might face, acting like a tailored safety net or private insurance policy. For investors, it matters because such agreements shift potential financial risk away from a company or its officers and onto the indemnifier, which can affect a company’s future liabilities, cash flow and how risky the investment appears during deal-making or litigation.
Path to Potential strategy financial
"capabilities that directly align with our Path to Potential strategy"
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 We caution that any forward-looking statements"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
omnichannel innovation technical
"deepen customer engagement, accelerate omnichannel innovation, strengthen cybersecurity"
FAQ
What board change did Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VSXY) announce on August 20, 2026?
Victoria’s Secret & Co. announced that its Board will expand from nine to ten directors and appointed Gerri Martin-Flickinger to the new seat, effective September 14, 2026, strengthening technology and digital transformation expertise on the Board.
Who is Gerri Martin-Flickinger and what role will she have at VSXY?
Gerri Martin-Flickinger, former Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Starbucks, will join Victoria’s Secret & Co.’s Board as an independent director and serve on the Audit Committee, bringing deep technology, AI, digital commerce, and cybersecurity experience.
When does Gerri Martin-Flickinger’s appointment to the VSXY board become effective?
Her appointment becomes effective on September 14, 2026. On that date, Victoria’s Secret & Co.’s Board size increases to ten directors, and she will begin service both as a director and as a member of the Audit Committee.
How does the VSXY board’s composition change after September 14, 2026?
Effective September 14, the Victoria’s Secret & Co. Board will comprise ten directors, including nine independent directors and eight women. This reflects an ongoing focus on board refreshment and alignment with the company’s evolving strategic and technology priorities.
How will Gerri Martin-Flickinger be compensated as a VSXY director?
Her compensation will follow Victoria’s Secret & Co.’s existing compensation plan for non-employee directors, as described in the company’s definitive proxy statement filed on May 1, 2026, ensuring alignment with established board compensation practices.
What strategic focus areas does VSXY link to Gerri Martin-Flickinger’s appointment?
Victoria’s Secret & Co. highlights her expertise in technology, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, and cybersecurity as directly aligned with its Path to Potential strategy, including omnichannel innovation, customer engagement, and long-term growth priorities.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): August 20, 2026 (August 18, 2026 )
| (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) | |||||||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | |||||||||||
| (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(614 ) 577-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On August 18, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Victoria’s Secret & Co. (the “Company”) increased the size of the Board from nine to ten directors, effective as of September 14, 2026, and appointed Gerri Martin-Flickinger to fill the resulting vacancy, to hold office until her successor is duly elected and qualified or until her earlier death, resignation or removal. The Board determined that Ms. Martin-Flickinger is independent under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Ms. Martin-Flickinger will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee when she joins the Board on September 14, 2026.
Ms. Martin-Flickinger’s compensation will be consistent with that provided to all non-employee directors in accordance with the Company’s compensation plan for non-employee directors described in its definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 1, 2026.
There is no arrangement or understanding between Ms. Martin-Flickinger and any other person pursuant to which she was selected as a director, and Ms. Martin-Flickinger has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction or proposed transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Ms. Martin-Flickinger will enter into the Company’s standard form of indemnification agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 10, 2021.
A copy of the press release announcing Ms. Martin-Flickinger’s appointment to the Board is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
99.1 | Press Release of Victoria’s Secret & Co., dated August 20, 2026. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document). | |||||||
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| VICTORIA'S SECRET & CO. | |||||||||||
| Date: | August 20, 2026 | By: | /s/ Scott Sekella | ||||||||
| Scott Sekella | |||||||||||
| Chief Financial and Operating Officer | |||||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
Gerri Martin-Flickinger Joins Victoria’s Secret & Co. Board of Directors
Appointment Adds Deep Expertise in Technology, Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity
Reynoldsburg, Ohio (August 20, 2026)—Victoria’s Secret & Co. (“Victoria’s Secret” or the “Company”) (NYSE: VSXY) today announced the appointment of Gerri Martin-Flickinger to its Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective September 14.
Ms. Martin-Flickinger, who previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Starbucks, is a technology and digital transformation leader with decades of experience driving innovation across global consumer and technology companies. While at Starbucks, she led the company’s global technology strategy and transformed its technology organization into a scaled, cloud-based ecosystem supporting customer experience, retail operations, and enterprise capabilities.
Ms. Martin-Flickinger’s appointment follows a comprehensive search disclosed by the Board in May 2026 and conducted with the assistance of a nationally recognized executive search firm.
Donna James, Chair of the Board, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Gerri to the Victoria’s Secret Board. Gerri brings strong expertise at the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, and consumer retail – capabilities that directly align with our Path to Potential strategy. Her proven track record of leveraging technology to deepen customer engagement, accelerate omnichannel innovation, strengthen cybersecurity, and drive business transformation will be invaluable as we continue to execute our strategy and create value for shareholders. Together with the recent appointment of Chief Technology Officer Adrian Butler, Gerri’s addition to the Board reflects the Company’s commitment to evolving its leadership, governance, and technology expertise in support of its strategic priorities and long-term growth.”
Ms. Martin-Flickinger said, “I’m honored to join the Board at such an exciting time in the Company’s evolution. I look forward to working with the leadership team and contributing my expertise to help advance the Path to Potential strategy and create long-term value.”
Effective September 14, the Victoria’s Secret Board will comprise ten directors, nine of whom are independent and eight of whom are women. The Board remains committed to thoughtful refreshment, with a focus on adding expertise that supports the Company’s evolving strategic priorities.
About Gerri Martin-Flickinger
As Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Starbucks, Ms. Martin-Flickinger oversaw the modernization of enterprise platforms supporting workforce management, supply chain and store operations, in which she embedded technology across core retail processes and enabled the global scalability of Starbucks’ digital ecosystem. During her tenure, she led the development of industry-leading digital innovations, including Mobile Order & Pay and Deep Brew, Starbucks’ artificial intelligence-powered personalization platform.
Previously, Ms. Martin-Flickinger served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Adobe, where she played a key leadership role in the company’s transition to its cloud-based subscription model. Earlier in her career, she held Chief Information Officer roles at VeriSign and Network Associates (now McAfee) and began her career at Chevron.
Ms. Martin-Flickinger currently serves as Chair of the Boards of Ellucian and Renaissance Learning and previously served on the Board of Directors of The Charles Schwab Corporation, where she served on the Audit Committee, and on the Board of Directors at Tableau Software until its acquisition by Salesforce in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Washington State University.
About Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE: VSXY) is a specialty retailer of modern, fashion-inspired collections including signature bras, panties, lingerie, sleepwear, apparel, sport and swim as well as award-winning prestige fragrances and body care. VS&Co is comprised of market leading brands, Victoria’s Secret and PINK, that strive to inspire confidence, spark joy and celebrate sexy. Additionally, Adore Me, our digital intimates brand serves women across budgets and lifestyles. We are committed to empowering our more than 30,000 associates across a global footprint of approximately 1,420 retail stores in approximately 70 countries.
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this press release or made by us, our management, or our spokespeople involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements, and any future performance or financial results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our future operating results, the implementation and impact of our strategic plans, and our goals, intentions, beliefs and expectations. Words such as “estimate,” “commit,” “will,” “target,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “strive,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue,” “potential” or the negative of these words and any similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, could affect our results of operations and financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements:
•general economic conditions, inflation, and changes in consumer confidence and consumer spending patterns;
•market disruptions including pandemics or significant health hazards, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events;
•uncertainty in the global trade environment, including the imposition or threatened imposition of tariffs or other trade policies;
•our ability to successfully implement our strategic plan;
•difficulties arising from changes and turnover in company leadership or other key positions;
•our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified associates and manage labor-related costs;
•our dependence on traffic to our stores and the availability of suitable store locations on satisfactory terms;
•our ability to successfully operate and expand internationally and related risks;
•the operations and performance of our franchisees, licensees, wholesalers and joint venture partners;
•our ability to successfully operate and grow our direct channel business;
•our ability to protect our reputation and the image and value of our brands;
•our ability to attract customers with marketing, advertising and promotional programs;
•the highly competitive nature of the retail industry and the segments in which we operate;
•consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to manage the life cycle of our brands, remain current with fashion trends, and develop and launch new merchandise and product lines successfully;
•our ability to integrate acquired businesses and realize the benefits and synergies sought with such acquisitions;
•our ability to incorporate artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into our business operations successfully and ethically while effectively managing the associated risks;
•our ability to source materials and produce, distribute and sell merchandise on a global basis, including risks related to:
◦political instability and geopolitical conflicts;
◦environmental hazards and natural disasters;
◦significant health hazards and pandemics;
◦delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;
◦foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; and
◦disruption due to labor disputes;
•our geographic concentration of production and distribution facilities in Southeast Asia and central Ohio;
•the ability of our vendors to manufacture and deliver products in a timely manner, meet quality standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations;
•fluctuations in freight, product input and energy costs;
•our and our third-party service providers’ ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data and system availability;
•our ability to maintain the security and privacy of customer, associate, third-party and company information;
•stock price volatility;
•shareholder activism matters;
•our ability to maintain our credit ratings;
•our ability to comply with legal and regulatory requirements; and
•legal, tax, trade and other regulatory matters.
All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, we assume no obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of future events, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Additional information regarding these and other factors can be found in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2026.
For further information, please contact:
| Victoria’s Secret & Co.: | ||||||||
| Investor Relations: | Media Relations: | |||||||
| investorrelations@victoria.com | Brooke Wilson | |||||||
| communications@victoria.com | ||||||||