UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 11, 2005
WHITEHALL JEWELLERS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware 1-15615 36-1433610
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 312-782-6800
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors;
Appointment of Principal Officers.
On October 11, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company elected
Daniel H. Levy, 62, to serve as interim Chief Executive Officer, while the
Company conducts a search to find a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Levy
has served as a director of the Company since January 7, 1997 (and had served as
a director from March 1996 until May 1996). From January 1, 2000 until April 6,
2005, Mr. Levy served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Donnkenny, Inc., an apparel manufacturer. Mr. Levy is serving in this capacity
without compensation.
On October 11, 2005, Lucinda M. Baier provided notice of her
resignation as President and Chief Operating Officer to the Company.
On October 12, 2005, the Company issued a press release announcing the
appointment of Mr. Levy as interim Chief Executive Officer and the resignation
of Lucinda M. Baier as President and Chief Operating Officer. A copy of this
press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits.
99.1 Press release, dated October 12, 2005.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
WHITEHALL JEWELLERS, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ John R. Desjardins
-------------------------------
John R. Desjardins
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: October 14, 2005
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EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibit is furnished herewith as noted below.
Exhibit No. Exhibit
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99.1 Press Release, dated October 12, 2005
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