American Apparel Inc., the clothing and accessories retailer that is No. 286 in the Internet Retailer 2014 Top 500 Guide, has hired its first chief digital officer.

Thoryn Stephens comes from Tillster, a 9-year-old seller of customer engagement programs for restaurants, where he was vice president of data science, according to his LinkedIn profile. Before that, he worked as director of audience insights for Fox Broadcasting Co. and as director of user insights and consumer analytics for ShoeDazzle.Com Inc., the members-only shoe seller that is No. 177 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.

At American Apparel, Stephens will oversee digital marketing, digital analytics and e-commerce strategies.

In related news, the retail chain also announced this week it has hired Cynthia Erland as senior vice president of marketing, giving her responsibility for marketing and communications. Her experience includes working as vice president of marketing for apparel brand Perry Ellis International Inc.

“[Stephens and Erland] are innovators with deep expertise working with established brands,” said Paula Schneider, CEO of American Apparel, who took over in January after the chain cut ties with controversial founder Dov Charney.