Minneapolis — Christopher & Banks Corporation, a specialty women’s apparel retailer, has received the immediate resignation of CEO Larry Barenbaum.

In connection with Barenbaum’s resignation as chief executive officer, the company’s board of directors has named President Joel Waller as interium CEO. The board has formed a committee to search for a permanent CEO.

“We thank Larry for his service as chief executive officer during these challenging times and for his many years on the board and wish him well in his future endeavors,” says Paul Snyder, chairman of the board. “I look forward to working with Joel as chief executive officer and, on behalf of the board, am confident that Joel will provide a smooth transition as we search for a permanent chief executive officer.”

In addition, effective immediately, Jules Rouse, senior vice president, general merchandise manager, is no longer with the company. The position of GMM has been replaced with a divisional general merchandise manager position for each of the Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks divisions. Tricia Perket and Ann McDermott have held these roles since late November 2011 and have spent considerable time working with Waller on establishing the merchandise strategy.

“My immediate priority is to bring stability to the organization while finalizing our merchandise and marketing strategies,” Waller says. “Our focus is on the execution of these strategies to deliver improved operating results.”

Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based specialty retailer of women’s clothing. As of February 17, 2012, the company operated 686 stores in 45 states consisting of 402 Christopher & Banks stores, 199 stores in their plus-size clothing division CJ Banks, 62 dual stores and 23 outlet stores. For more information, visit www.ChristopherandBanks.com and www.CJBanks.com.