SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


________________________

FORM 8-K


Current Report

Dated May 5, 2011


of


ZALE CORPORATION


A Delaware Corporation
IRS Employer Identification No. 75-0675400
SEC File Number 001-04129

901 West Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, Texas  75038
(972) 580-4000

⃞ 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))

On May 5, 2011, Matthew W. Appel was appointed as Chief Administrative Officer of Zale Corporation (the “Company”).  In this role, Mr. Appel will be responsible for real estate, supply chain and logistics, merchandise planning and allocation, information technology, warranty, repair and credit products, as well as the ongoing management of the Company’s finance and control functions.  Mr. Appel will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Appel, age 55, was named Executive Vice President of the Company effective May 2009 and appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company on June 15, 2009. From March 2007 to May 2009, Mr. Appel served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ExlService Holdings, Inc. Prior to ExlService Holdings, Inc, Mr. Appel was Vice President, BPO Product Management from 2006 to 2007 and Vice President, Finance and Administration BPO from 2003 through 2005 at Electronic Data Systems Corporation. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Appel was the Senior Vice President, Finance and Accounting BPO at Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. Mr. Appel began his career with Arthur Andersen, where he spent seven years in their audit practice. Mr. Appel is a certified public accountant and certified management accountant.

In connection with Mr. Appel’s appointment as Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Appel’s annual base salary was increased from $470,000 to $540,000.

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.