EDDIE BAUER GETS BOSS FROM LIMITED

Troubled retailer Eddie Bauer has named Limited Inc. executive Neil Fiske as its next chief in the hope of stemming losses and jump-starting sales.

Fiske, who has run the Limited-owned Bath & Body Works chain for four years, will assume the chief executive’s post at Eddie Bauer beginning July 9.

Since emerging from bankruptcy protection in June 2005, Eddie Bauer has struggled to regain its fashion footing. Despite efforts to revitalize its casual, outdoorsy clothes, operating losses have piled up.

Earlier this year, Eddie Bauer shareholders nixed a sale of the company to private equity firms Sun Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital for $286 million.

The quashed deal prompted then-CEO Fabian Mansson’s resignation. Director Howard Gross had been serving as interim chief until a permanent replacement was found.

The shares of Eddie Bauer closed up 21 cents to $13.98.

Limited CEO Les Wexner promoted Diane Neal, who had served as Bath & Body Works chief operating officer, to succeed Fiske as CEO.