On August 15, 2017 the Board of Directors of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. elected E. J. Bird as the Company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Bird has served as a member of the Company's Board of Directors since the Company's separation from Sears Holdings Corporation in October 2012 and served as the Company's Interim Chief Financial Officer beginning June 1, 2017. He also provided financial consulting services to the Company during May 2017.

From March 2013 until June 2016 he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sears Canada Inc., a retailer, and served as a director of Sears Canada Inc. from May 2006 until September 2013. Prior to his Sears Canada Inc. employment he was a private investor.