Stuart Weitzman Promotes Duffy And Continues Talent Acquisition To Support Planned Growth

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Nov 08, 2012, 07:00 ET

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 12^th, 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 4^th 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.