FTD Companies names interim CEO

DOWNERS GROVE - Christopher W. Shean has been appointed interim President and Chief Executive Officer of FTD Companies Inc, replacing Robert S. Apatoff, who has stepped down from the positions and from FTD's board of directors.

Apatoff will continue in a transitional advisory role to the company through Dec. 31.

In conjunction with this leadership change, the company has also created an office of the chief executive officer comprised of Becky A. Sheehan, executive vice president and chief financial officer; Helen Quinn, executive vice president, U.S. Consumer Floral; and Scott D. Levin, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, all of whom will report directly to Shean.

The board will conduct a formal executive search for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

"FTD is poised for future success and we have tremendous confidence in the leadership team to execute on our strategic growth initiatives which we believe will enhance value for our stockholders," said Robert Berglass, chairman of FTD's board.

Shean has served as one of FTD's directors since December 2014. He is chief executive officer of Liberty Expedia Holdings. Shean has been a senior adviser of Liberty Interactive Corp. and Liberty Media Corp. since October 2016. Prior to this, he served as Liberty's chief financial officer from November 2011. Prior to being named the Chief Financial Officer Mr. Shean served as Liberty's controller for eleven years. Shean has also been an audit partner with KPMG focusing mainly on clients operating in the media and entertainment industry.

Shean serves on the board of directors of Expedia, Inc. and the Atlanta Braves. From February 2013 to December 2015, he served on the board of directors of TripAdvisor, Inc.

"Chris is a strong executive and proven leader with significant e-commerce industry experience. He has the Board's full support to lead the Company as we transition into our next phase of growth," Berglass said.