HOUSTON — Stage Stores has announced that Mike Searles has joined the company as president and COO of its South Hill division, which is headquartered in South Hill, Va. Searles, who will report to Rich Maloney, EVP and chief merchandising officer, will be responsible for all operations of the South Hill division, including merchandising, planning and allocation, and store operations.

“We are extremely pleased that Mike is bringing his retail leadership skills to our South Hill Division,” stated Andy Hall, president and CEO. “He is another significant talent addition to the Stage family.”

Searles, 62, has served as chairman and CEO of Wilsons Leather Stores Inc. and Factory 2-U Stores Inc., in addition to holding senior executive level positions at several other national retail chains.

Stage Stores operates 801 stores located in 39 states. The South Hill division operates 320 of the company’s stores in 24 states.