Miss Selfridge
Gareth Rees-John, Topman’s global digital director, is moving to Miss Selfridge, where he will serve as the brand’s multichannel director. Rees-John joined Arcadia four years ago as head of e-commerce, before he was promoted to his current position in 2014. Prior to Arcadia, Rees-John held various leadership roles at M&S. Corrine Suchy, Topshop’s global digital director, will take over Rees-John’s post.
Macy’s
Terry Lundgren, Macy’s executive chairman, is retiring from the company’s board on Jan. 31. Prior to taking on the role of CEO in 2003, Lundgren served as Macy’s president and CMO. During this time, Lundgren was instrumental to the creation of Macy’s Inc.—by taking part in the major merger of Federated and May Department Stores in 2005. Lundgren also served as CEO and chairman of Federated Merchandising Group. He will be succeeded by Jeff Gennette—who will also take on the role of CEO.
Avenue Stores
Avenue Stores announced two executive additions this week, as part of its plus-size market presence strategy. Both executives assumed their roles in November.
Nancy Toth Viall was appointed as Avenue’s new chief merchandising officer. Viall, who brings more than 30 years of retail merchant experience, leads Avenue’s merchandising team and oversee the company’s overall product strategies to meet consumer expectations. Her resume includes previous stints at Casual Corner, May Department Stores and Talbots.
Stephen Silbaugh was named as Avenue’s new chief marketing officer. In his role, Silbaugh is responsible for Avenue’s marketing team initiatives, while the brand continues to build loyalty among its shopper demographic. Silbaugh, who has more than 25 years of marketing and retail experience under his belt, has held previous leadership roles at L Brands, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.
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Nike
Nike is expanding its digital leadership and retail teams with two new appointments.
Nike hired Lauren Sherman as its senior director of digital. In her new role, Sherman will oversee Nike’s digital marketing efforts across Nike.com, its app and SNKRS. Sherman joins Nike from Red Antler, where she led marketing efforts for brands including Birchbox and Casper at the Brooklyn-based company. Her resume includes previous stints at TaskRabbit and ZipCar.
Michelle Goad was also appointed as Nike 1:1’s senior director. In her new role, Goad will oversee Nike 1:1—Nike’s retail service relationship program, in addition to the Nike Experts on Demand program. Goad previously served as the co-founder and CEO of PS Dept, a tech personal shopping startup. Her resume also includes previous stints at Barney’s New York, Donna Karan Home and Marc Jacobs.
John Lewis
John Lewis appointed Ed Connolly as its new partnership strategy director. In his new role, Connolly will oversee John Lewis’ long-term sustainability initiatives. Connelly, who currently serves as John Lewis’ interim trading director—will be succeeded by Simon Coble, who currently serves as head of The Body Shop’s European division.
Desigual
Spanish apparel retailer Desigual appointed Jordi Valls as its new head of travel retail. Valls will be responsible for Desigual’s travel retail business on a global scale. Valls, who has extensive experience in the travel retail sector, has held various leadership roles at Custo Barcelona and Thomas Sabo. He will succeed Marco Gadola, who has held the position of Desigual’s global travel retail manager for the past six years.
White House Black Market
Chico’s FAS Inc. hired David Pastrana as the new president of its White House Black Market brand, effective Jan. 10. In his new role, Pastrana will manage all White House Black Market’s business activities. With more than 10 years of retail experience, Pastrana recently served as president of apparel at Sears Holding Corporation. His resume also includes previous stints at Topshop/Topman and Zara. His predecessor, White House Black Market president Donna Colaco, is leaving the company to pursue other career interests.
Mr. Porter
Mr. Porter promoted deputy editor Adam Welch to the role of editorial director, effective Feb. 1. Welch joined Mr. Porter in 2014, where he has held his current role for the past three years. He will succeed editorial director Andrew Barker.
OrthoLite
OrthoLite named Nino Gilarde as its new CFO. Gilarde, who is a highly-experienced financial leader, previously held several leadership roles at Covidien Healthcare. Additionally, Gilarde served as global business unite VP of finance and CFO for Covidien Healthcare’s Vascular Therapies business, where he managed many strategic acquisitions. Gilarde most recently served as the CFO of Vention Medical, a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of medical devices.
DVF
Diane Von Furstenberg chief creative officer Jonathan Saunders announced his departure from the company. Saunders joined DVF last year, where he led creative initiatives for all of DVF’s product categories. His pre-fall 2018 collection, which was inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni’s Zabriskie Point, was his last collection for the label.