Torrid Holdings CFO Paula Dempsey Resigns

The fashion retailer has named Will Langley as its interim chief financial officer effective late October.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Corporate Finance

Isometric editorial illustration of brass office keys on a stone desk, representing corporate leadership transition. — Torrid Holdings chief financial officer Paula Dempsey has resigned, with Will Langley appointed as interim CFO effective late October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Torrid Holdings chief financial officer Paula Dempsey has announced her resignation to pursue a new career opportunity. She will continue in her current role through mid-November 2026 to ensure a smooth transition for the company.

Why it matters

The leadership change arrives as Torrid moves to maintain executive continuity during its search for a permanent finance head. Paula Dempsey is departing the organization to follow a different professional path.

Will Langley brings 20 years of experience to the role, having previously served as CFO and vice president of treasury and finance at Belk from 2020 to 2025.

The players

Paula Dempsey

She is the outgoing chief financial officer of Torrid Holdings who is stepping down to seek a new professional opportunity.

Will Langley

He is an experienced finance executive who previously served as the CFO of Belk and has now been appointed as the interim CFO for Torrid.

Torrid Holdings

This is a United States-based fashion retailer that focuses on providing clothing and accessories for plus-size women.

Belk

This is a regional department store chain where Will Langley managed treasury and financial operations for two decades.

The details

Will Langley will step into the interim chief financial officer position at Torrid Holdings starting October 28, 2026. He previously held the CFO role at Belk for over five years.

January 2020: Will Langley began his tenure as CFO at Belk.
May 2025: Will Langley concluded his term at Belk.
October 28, 2026: Will Langley assumes the interim CFO role at Torrid.
Mid-November 2026: Paula Dempsey is scheduled to complete her transition period.

Market Dynamics

The resignation of Paula Dempsey follows a documented trend of heightened turnover in C-suite positions as executives look to capitalize on shifting market demands. This movement mirrors broader fluctuations in corporate leadership stability currently seen across the retail sector.

Shareholders and investors should monitor the company's upcoming financial disclosures for any shifts in strategy under new leadership. The appointment of an interim CFO often signals a focus on maintaining stability during pending transitions in corporate governance.

The takeaway

Retail investors should track whether the incoming leadership brings a change in the company's long-term financial guidance or operational strategy. Maintaining stability during an executive search is a common priority for companies navigating the transition between finance heads.