Kay Krill is president and chief executive of New York-based Ann Taylor Stores Corp., which sells women’s apparel under the Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft and Ann Taylor Factory banners.

She is best known for her role in creating the Loft concept and turning it into a major national chain that eventually outshone the company’s flagship brand. When she was named ceo in 2005, Krill inherited a troubled company struggling with up-and-down sales, some fashion missteps, and management turnover. In 2008, she launched a multi-year turnaround that includes store closings, scaled-back headquarters staff and other cost-saving programs.

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Krill earned a BA in psychology in 1977 from Agnes Scott College, a women’s liberal arts school in Atlanta. She entered Macy’s executive training program and landed her first job at specialty retailer Talbots. Krill was also executive vice president of women’s operations for suitmaker Hartmarx and president of Carroll Reed, before joining Ann Taylor Stores in 1994 as a merchandising vp.

Since its inception in 1996, Krill nurtured the Loft concept and became president of the fast-growing division in 2001. Three years later, after the Loft division delivered 19 months of positive comp-store sales gains, Krill was named president of the entire company. She became ceo 11 months after that.