Retail veteran to run Payless chain

Collective Brands Inc. said Wednesday that it has named retail veteran LuAnn Via as president and chief executive officer for the chain of more than 4,500 shoe stores.

Via replaces Matt Rubel, who will continue as chairman and CEO of Topeka-based parent company Collective Brands. Collective Brands also operates the Stride Rite chain and Collective Licensing International, which develops and manages apparel brands.

Via has been in the apparel business since 1974 and previously was group divisional president of Charming Shoppes' Lane Bryant and Cacique chains. She also has been a vice president at Sears, Roebuck and Co. and oversaw private label development at Saks Inc.