Stuart Weitzman Promotes Duffy And Continues Talent Acquisition To
Support Planned Growth
NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stuart
Weitzman's executive team continues to grow with the promotion of a
key executive and additions to the Marketing, Communications,
Retail and Wholesale departments.
Susan Duffy, who joined the
company in April 2011 as Senior Vice
President of Global Marketing and Communications has been promoted
to Chief Marketing Officer. Duffy continues to report directly to
Stuart Weitzman, Executive Chairman.
As CMO she will continue to lead marketing, advertising, public
relations and social media to ensure the branding message is
consistent across all worldwide communications platforms as the
company expands into new markets.
"Susan is an excellent brand architect," said Executive
Chairman, Stuart Weitzman. "She is
quite skilled in her knowledge of luxury market communications and
her initiatives have contributed that extra magic to the brand
which has opened the door for new market expansion."
Sally Ross has joined the company
in the newly created role of Chief Merchandising Officer of Retail.
Ross's focus will be to define and execute merchandising and
visual strategies for the global retail department. Sally will
report to Wayne Kulkin, Vice
Chairman. Most recently, Sally held the position of Executive Vice
President of Merchandising for Footwear at The Jones Group, and
prior to that Vice President/Divisional Merchandise Manager of
Women's Footwear at Bergdorf Goodman.
"Sally has a tremendous track record as an innovator and
successful merchant leader. We are looking forward to her
contributions as we continue to expand our retail footprint" said
Wayne Kulkin, Vice Chairman.
Effective November
12th, Jonathan
Lelonek will join Stuart
Weitzman as Executive Vice President of US Wholesale,
reporting to Wayne Kulkin, Vice
Chairman. Formerly, the Director of Wholesale and Merchandising at
Prada, Lelonek was responsible for both men's and women's footwear
collections. Prior to that, he worked at Salvatore Ferragamo as
National Sales Manager for Men's Ready-to-Wear, Footwear and
Accessories.
"With an impressive understanding of the luxury goods market,
Jonathan Lelonek will be a
tremendous asset to the company," said Wayne Kulkin, Vice Chairman. "Lelonek's
appointment is a significant first step in achieving the levels of
domestic sales growth we envision over the next two years."
Samara Hodgson has joined the
company as Vice President, Social and Digital Innovation, reporting
to Duffy. Most recently, she was the Senior Producer on the Digital
Technology & Innovation Team at Estee Lauder Inc. in
New York, and prior to that role
at Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne,
Australia. An enhanced social media presence has been a
focus for Stuart Weitzman in the
4th quarter and key efforts will continue to drive
engagement and optimize the growing community of followers. In
October, a four part film series, directed by James Franco and starring Petra Nemcova in her Stuart Weitzman shoes, debuted on Facebook &
YouTube.
Additionally, to support the brand's hyper growth in
Asia and to add to the
Asia pacific infrastructure, the
company is seeking talent for a newly developed role of Vice
President of Marketing for Asia.
This position will be based in China and report directly to Susan Duffy.
Stuart Weitzman is a division of
The Jones Group (NYSE: JNY).
ABOUT STUART WEITZMAN HOLDINGS LLC
A little obsessed with shoes.
Stuart Weitzman Holdings LLC, a global leader in designer
footwear, operates 40 retail stores across the United States, including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Boston and Las Vegas. The company also
has 45 international stores, and is sold in more than 70
countries.
Stuart Weitzman's dedication to
fusing luxury, design and comfort has earned him accolades from
editors and stylists in the fashion world to countless shoe lovers,
including top celebrities across the globe. His alluring stilettos
are a familiar sight at red carpet events from the Oscars to the
Emmys, and his coveted bridal styles have been the glass slipper
for brides around the world.
Contact:
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Karen
Ferko
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Vice
President of Public Relations - Stuart Weitzman
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212.287.0671
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SOURCE Stuart Weitzman