Designer Brands announces new appointments
The US-based designer, producer and retailer of footwear and accessories announced two new executive appointments. Debbie Ferrée ais now President of Camuto Group and William L. Jordan President of Designer Brands Inc.
In addition to her ongoing role as Vice Chairman, Debbie Ferrée has been named President of Camuto Group, a role she has held on an interim basis since August 2020. In addition, William Jordan has been named President of Designer Brands. Jordan was named Designer Brands' Chief Growth Officer in February 2020 and will continue to lead that work in his new role. Both appointments are effective immediately.
"Designer Brands continues to stay ahead of retail consumer and fashion trends, as evidenced by our ongoing improving financial performance. To maintain this competitive advantage, we need the right leaders to guide us in evaluating and identifying ways to enhance our organizational structure, including the ongoing integration of Camuto Group to unlock greater value for the enterprise. This ensures that we will continue meeting customers' needs both in stores and online, as our business recovers and we make the necessary investments to build a stronger foundation for the future", commented Designer Brands Chief Executive Officer Roger Rawlins.
As President of Camuto Group, Debbie Ferrée will take on executive duties of advancing Camuto's integration into the DBI organization and growing brands. Integration work includes continued growth of brands exclusive to DSW such as JLO Jennifer Lopez, Kelly & Katie, and Crown Vintage as well as our -other owned brands such as Vince Camuto. Our owned brands have gained strength in recent quarters and represented 15 of the top 25 selling items at DSW in first quarter of 2021.
As President of Designer Brands, William Jordan will continue to oversee the enterprise's shared services functions, including human resources and information technology. As part of Camuto Group's continued integration, the sourcing and supply chain business functions will move under Jordan in Designer Brands' shared services organization.
"Designer Brands continues to stay ahead of retail consumer and fashion trends, as evidenced by our ongoing improving financial performance. To maintain this competitive advantage, we need the right leaders to guide us in evaluating and identifying ways to enhance our organizational structure, including the ongoing integration of Camuto Group to unlock greater value for the enterprise. This ensures that we will continue meeting customers' needs both in stores and online, as our business recovers and we make the necessary investments to build a stronger foundation for the future", commented Designer Brands Chief Executive Officer Roger Rawlins.
As President of Camuto Group, Debbie Ferrée will take on executive duties of advancing Camuto's integration into the DBI organization and growing brands. Integration work includes continued growth of brands exclusive to DSW such as JLO Jennifer Lopez, Kelly & Katie, and Crown Vintage as well as our -other owned brands such as Vince Camuto. Our owned brands have gained strength in recent quarters and represented 15 of the top 25 selling items at DSW in first quarter of 2021.
As President of Designer Brands, William Jordan will continue to oversee the enterprise's shared services functions, including human resources and information technology. As part of Camuto Group's continued integration, the sourcing and supply chain business functions will move under Jordan in Designer Brands' shared services organization.
Image credits: Timon Studler on Unsplash