Sue E. Gove has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer of Zale Corp., Dallas. She replaces Alan P. Shor, who resigned as president and chief operating officer. In addition, Mary L. Forte has assumed the title of president. The changes were announced July 12.

The company had announced in May that Forte would be named chairman and CEO on July 31, replacing Robert J. DiNicola who retired from the company on that day. In her new role as president, Forte will have responsibility for the human resources and legal departments.

Gove, who has served as chief financial officer of the company since December 1997, will continue to retain that title, the company said. In addition to those responsibilities, she now oversees distribution, real estate, and management information systems for Zale and reports to Forte.

During the past 20 months, Gove has integrated the credit operation, brought the expense structure in line, consolidated and standardized the merchandise quality assurance function, and led the company’s initiative in generating productivity improvements, Zale said in a statement.

Gove began her career with Zale in 1980 in the accounting department. She has held numerous financial and operational positions at the divisional and corporate levels.

Shor joined Zale in 1995 as its senior vice president and general counsel. He has been president and a member of the board of directors since August 2000. During his tenure, he assumed responsibilities for real estate, management information systems, distribution, support operations, and human resources.