On July 1, 2015 the board of directors of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. elected William A. Powell as the company's chief executive officer and president, effective immediately. Mr. Powell succeeds W. Bruce Johnson, whose employment as the company's chief executive officer and president is ending. Also on July 1, 2015 the Board of Directors elected Mr. Powell as a member of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Powell has been Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the company since its separation from Sears Holdings Corporation in October 2012. The company also announced that the Board of Directors has elected E.J. Bird as the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Bird has been a member of the Board of Directors since the company's separation from Sears Holdings.