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Orchard Brands announced on Tuesday the resignaton of Blair President and CEO Shelley Nandkeolyar, who will be leaving his position at the end of the month.

According to Blair Director of Corporate Communications Jude Dippold, it was Nandkeolyar's decision to leave Blair. He will be replaced by Dave Matthews, a former Ochard Brand executive, in an interim capacity.

Nandkeolyar was named President and CEO of Blair in February 2008, replacing former President and CEO Al Lopez. He had been serving as CEO of Norm Thompson Outfitters, another Orchard Brands company located in Portland, Ore.

Prior to joining Norm Thompson Outfitters, Nandkeolyar was president of Home Depot Direct. He initially joined Home Depot as vice president of interactive marketing and e-business, charged with redesigning HomeDepot.com.

Under Nandkeolyar's leadership, Blair boosted its earnings from $6 million in 2006 to nearly $33 million in 2008. The company weathered the current national recession under Nandkeolyar's watch, posting earnings well above its 2007 levels while many other retailers saw their earnings plummet.

Dippold said he was unaware of Nandkeolyar's future plans, other than a scheduled trip to view the Olympics.

Matthews originally worked for Orchard Brands as President and CEO from Dec. 27 until the late fall of 2009. A company reorganization eliminated he need for a CEO. A decision was made to bring Matthews back as the interim president of Blair.

Before Orchard Brands, Matthews was the executive vice president/merchandise service and marketing with Circuit City. Prior to that, he held several positions with L.L. Bean, including general manager of the company's online business.

Matthews also worked for Dell, where he helped start the company's direct consumer business.

According to Dippold, a permanent replacement for Blair's President and CEO position will be either brought in from outside the company, tapped internally or Mathews could be named to fill the position permanently.