Regis Appoints Andrew Alfano Chairman of the Board; Operations EVP Jamie Suarez to Depart

Regis Corporation appointed Andrew Alfano chairman of its board of directors, effective October 29, 2026, succeeding Nancy Benacci, and said EVP of Company Operations James (Jamie) Suarez will depart. The company announced both changes on November 3, 2026, according to Business Wire.

Alfano Takes the Chair at Regis

Alfano joined the Regis Corporation board earlier in 2026 and was recruited for his experience as an end-to-end business leader, Benacci said. He spent 16 years with Starbucks Coffee Company, rising to Senior Vice President, U.S. Business, with responsibility for more than $3.5 billion in revenue across corporate and licensed operations. As a member of Starbucks' Executive Steering Committee, he was part of the leadership team that helped guide the company through the 2008 downturn.

Benacci was appointed chair of the audit committee, succeeding Michael Merriman, whose board term concluded at the annual meeting of shareholders on October 28, 2026. "On behalf of the Board, I would also like to express our gratitude to Mike Merriman for his many contributions during his 15 years of service," Benacci said.

Alfano said he looks forward to supporting Susan Lintonsmith and her transformation agenda. "We are quite encouraged by her strategic focus and commitment to driving revenue growth, improving franchisee profitability and remaining laser-focused on increasing shareholder value," he said.

Suarez Ends Nearly Three Decades at Regis

Suarez ceased serving in his officer capacity as EVP, Company Operations, and his last day will be November 22, 2026. Lintonsmith said Suarez began as a stylist and held positions of increasing responsibility in salon operations, including education and merchandising. "We thank Jamie for his dedication to Regis and wish him well," she said.

Regis Board Changes in 2026

Regis announced a leadership overhaul in March 2026, appointing Lintonsmith as President and CEO, Jim Lain as COO, Benacci as board chair and Alfano as an independent director, according to akta.pro company records. In April 2026 the company appointed Bill Charters, founder of Sabal Capital Partners and one of its largest individual shareholders, as an independent director, expanding the board to seven directors, six of them independent, the same records show.

Regis Results Before the Announcement

Regis reported fiscal 2026 revenue of $224.5 million, up $14.4 million from the prior year, with operating income of $24.4 million, Stock Titan reported on September 1, 2026. The company said it will release first-quarter fiscal 2027 results before market open on November 5, 2026, and host a webcast at 7:30 a.m. Central time, Stock Titan reported on October 30, 2026.