New York, New York, September 17, 2007 – AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) today announced the appointment of Michael J. Nicholson as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately. He will report to Ann Taylor President and Chief Executive Officer Kay Krill.<br />Nicholson, 41, joins Ann Taylor after seven years at Limited Brands, Inc., most recently as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating & Financial Officer for Victoria's Secret Beauty Company. Prior to that, Mr. Nicholson held senior finance positions at Colgate-Palmolive Company and Altria Group, Inc.<br />Commenting on the announcement, Ann Taylor President and CEO Kay Krill stated, "Mike is an accomplished leader with a rich and diverse financial background in retail as well as in consumer products. His depth of experience in our industry, along with his expertise in driving operational excellence and effectively managing cost structure, will serve us well at Ann Taylor. We are very excited to welcome him to the Company in this critical role.”<br />“Ann Taylor is a world-class retailer with a strong heritage and wonderful stable of brands,” stated Mr. Nicholson. “I am especially energized by the enormous growth potential of the Company and thrilled to be joining Ann Taylor at this exciting time.”<br />Mr. Nicholson received his bachelor's degree in accounting from Niagara University and his master's degree in business administration from St. John’s University. Mr. Nicholson is also a Certified Public Accountant.<br />Ann Taylor is one of the country's leading women's specialty retailers, operating 887 stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and Online Stores at www.anntaylor.com and www.anntaylorLOFT.com as of August 4, 2007.