ideeli Names Retail Industry Veteran Bob Rosenblatt as President

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ideeli, the next-generation online shopping destination for women, announced today that seasoned retail industry veteran Bob Rosenblatt is joining as president, effective today. In this new role, Rosenblatt will bring his broad-based and extensive retail experience, enabling the company to sharpen its focus on its core customers and its goal of ensuring long-term, profitable growth. Founder and CEO Paul Hurley will become chairman of the board of directors, with responsibility for defining the strategic direction and broader vision of the company as it moves on to the next stage of development.

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Rosenblatt's appointment positions ideeli, named 2011's fastest growing company by Inc. Magazine, to maintain its momentum, with a renewed focus on the core categories of women's mainstream fashion and home decor, and capitalize on the growing market opportunities that will further drive its evolution from industry upstart into e-commerce stalwart. 

"The transition from leading start-up in an emerging market to a more established retail leader requires top-notch retail talent," said founder and board chairman Paul Hurley.  "Bob is highly regarded for his extensive retail experience, as well as for his record in identifying innovative ways of driving corporate growth and profitability. We're thrilled to have someone of his caliber, whose skills and expertise will enable us to take full advantage of the many strategic opportunities available to us."

Rosenblatt comes to ideeli with more than 25 years of experience leading mid-sized and large retail organizations, including Tommy Hilfiger, HSN (formerly the Home Shopping Network) and Bloomingdale's (a division of Macy's).

"In just a few short years, ideeli has completely transformed the online shopping experience for women and brands alike," said Rosenblatt. "As a lifelong student of successful retail models, I am thrilled to be working with the ideeli team as they continue to pioneer the next generation of retail. I look forward to helping to grow and expand this incredibly successful e-commerce platform."

As group president and COO of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation (THC), Rosenblatt grew year-on-year revenues and profitability by double digits and helped build its first transactional Web site. Prior to THC, Rosenblatt was CFO and then president of HSN, the world's second-largest direct sales television retail company with sales in excess of $3 billion. While there, Rosenblatt spearheaded development of the company's online operation, consistently increased revenue, and significantly expanded the organization's customer reach and vendor relationships. 

Prior to HSN, Rosenblatt served as senior vice president and CFO of Bloomingdale's, where he was responsible for the P&L of the corporation, financial planning, and administrative management. Most recently, Rosenblatt ran a consulting practice specializing in helping investment firms determine value in consumer companies as well as helping retail firms maximize profitability.  He has been and is currently on several boards of directors in the retail and technology industry, including the board of Deb Shops Inc. and RetailNext. 

"Brick-and-mortar operations are being disrupted by online and mobile commerce, and our work up to this point will go a long way towards ensuring that ideeli is poised to compete effectively in the long-term as this shift continues," added Hurley.  "ideeli can now better implement its plan to focus more intently on its core strength and continue giving fashion-minded women access to the brands, prices, and content they love, driving a positive and engaging online buying experience." 

About ideeli
ideeli is an online retailer specializing in limited-time sales that feature incredible brands at exceptional prices. Every day, ideeli presents dozens of new sales showcasing women's fashion and home decor, offering the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of a deal. Launched in June 2007, ideeli is one of the fastest growing retailers in the U.S., with more than 5.5 million members and more than 3,000 brand partners. In 2011, ideeli was named to the top of Inc. magazine's list of the country's fastest-growing private companies. Join us at www.ideeli.com

SOURCE ideeli