NRF
The National Retail Federation (NRF) named NRF Foundation executive director Ellen Davis as president of the Foundation, the Federation’s philanthropic arm. In addition to her new role, Davis will continue to serve as NRF’s senior vice president for research and strategic initiatives. Davis joined NRF in 2002 as media relations manager and held several leadership roles before becoming executive director of the Foundation in 2012. In that post, Davis formed the NRF Talent Acquisition Group, a network of more than 60 human resources executives from the nation’s major retailers, and introduced the NRF Foundation Gala, an annual event that raised $2.8 million this year to support various initiatives.
BHV Marais
BHV Marais appointed Amandine de Souza as director of its store network, which includes the Rue de Rivoli flagship in Paris, effective April 16. In her role, de Souza will also manage home buying for the Galeries Lafayette and BHV Marais private labels, reinforcing the image of BHV Marais as a multi-specialist lifestyle department store. Possessing more than 13 years of e-commerce and retail experience, de Souza recently served as president of the French unit of Westwing, a home and living e-commerce retailer in Europe. Her resume includes previous stints at consultancy firm Bain & Company and French mass retailer Groupe Casino.
Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss AG extended the contract of CEO and managing board chairman Mark Langer to run until December 2021. Hugo Boss AG made this leadership decision at its supervisory board meeting on March 7. Langer joined the company in January 2003 as director of finance and accounting. He has held several leadership roles at Hugo Boss AG, including senior vice president of global replenishment and chief financial officer. In May 2016, Langer was promoted to his current role, where he is responsible for the company’s corporate strategy and communcations, and supply chain management initiatives.
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Nike
At Nike, things in the leadership seem to be shaking up.
On Thursday, the company announced that Nike brand president Trevor Edwards has decided to retire from the company as of August, and between now and then, he will serve as an advisor to chairman, president and CEO Mark Parker during the transition. Edwards’ resignation reportedly came moments after Nike circulated an internal memo referencing inappropriate workplace behavior.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve become aware of reports occurring within our organization that do not reflect our core values of inclusivity, respect and empowerment at a time when we are accelerating our transition to the next stage of growth and advance of our culture,” Nike CEO and chairman Mark Parker said, according to ESPN, which obtained the internal communication. “This disturbs and saddens me.”
Similar news emerged about Nike vice president Jayme Martin on Friday. Martin is reportedly leaving his post following internal complaints about workplace behavior. Sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that Martin was forced out of the company and no longer an employee. When The Wall Street Journal requested comment from Nike about Martin’s alleged departure, a company spokesperson said Nike does not discuss personnel moves. Martin also did not respond to The Wall Street Journal’s request for comment.
Nike said Mark Parker will remain CEO, chairman and president beyond 2020 and Elliott Hill, who previously served as president of Nike Geographies, will become the president of consumer and marketplace. Michael Spillance will continue to helm Nike’s categories, design, product and merchandising.
Nina Ricci
Guillaume Henry, Nica Ricci’s creative director, its exiting the house after three and a half years of service. Henry, who’s next move was not confirmed by the house, will depart after the presentation of Nina Ricci’s Fall-Winter 2018-19 collection. Nina Ricci Studio is designing the next collections until the house confirms Henry’s successor.
J.Jill
Paula Bennett, J.Jill Inc.’s CEO, president and director, announced her retirement. Linda Heasley, who currently serves on J.Jill’s board of directors, will succeed Bennett, effective April 16. Bennett will work with Heasley to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Heasley has served on J.Jill’s board of directors since March 2017 and most recently served as the CEO of The Honey Baked Ham Company, a U.S.-based food retailer. Her resume includes previous stints at Lane Bryant, Limited Stores, L Brands Inc. and Timberland.
Aptos
Aptos Inc., a retail technology solutions company, named Nikki Baird as its vice president of retail innovation. In her new role, Baird will help bring Aptos’ retail technology solutions to market and work with Aptos Labs, the company’s research and innovation initiative, to help retailers stay agile in a digital landscape. Baird, who most recently served as managing partner at Retail Systems Research, a market intelligence company focused on retail technology, held previous leadership roles at Forrester and Retail Systems Alert Group and StorePerform Technologies.