Stuart Weitzman Promotes Wayne Kulkin To Vice Chairman

NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stuart Weitzman today announced that it has expanded its executive bench with the promotion of Wayne Kulkin to the newly created position of Vice Chairman, effective immediately.  Mr. Kulkin was formerly President and will continue to report to Stuart Weitzman, Executive Chairman of Stuart Weitzman.

This announcement is part of the company's plan to execute on strategies that will achieve the next phase of growth for the Stuart Weitzman brand, among them will be international growth in retail, wholesale and ecommerce channels as well as product extensions.

"Wayne has been a true partner over the last 22 years," said Executive Chairman,
Stuart Weitzman.  "His passion and creativity have contributed to consistent improvement and growth, year after year.  I have the utmost confidence that Wayne is the right person to help manage our development and growth strategy."

As part of Stuart Weitzman's planned expansion across all channels, additional executive roles will be created, including the position of a Global President to be named at a later date, reporting to Mr. Kulkin.  The search for the Global President is being handled by Kirk Palmer & Associates.

"Recruiting executives with managerial acumen to support the growth of Stuart Weitzman is essential to a successful expansion.  I am confident in our brand's ability to attract top talent," concluded Mr. Weitzman.  

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 (www.stuartweitzman.com), 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 42 international stores, and is sold in more than 70 countries. Each and every Stuart Weitzman shoe is handcrafted in company-owned factories in Elda, Spain.

A luxury brand built upon the idea of creating a beautifully constructed shoe, Founder & Designer, Stuart Weitzman's main objective has always been to merge fashion and function. The first thing a woman puts on in the morning and the last thing she takes off at night, his shoes are designed to feel as good as they look, and to look as good as they feel. This vision is what inspired the brand's current advertising campaign featuring Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova. Shot in black and white by renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino, this minimalist approach showcases the relationship between a woman and her shoes.

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.

About The Jones Group Inc.

The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com) is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 brands with product expertise in apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbags.  The Jones Group has a reputation for innovation, excellence in product quality and value, operational execution and talent.  The Company also markets directly to consumers through branded specialty retail and outlet stores and through its e-commerce sites.

The Company's internationally recognized brands and licensing agreements (L) include: Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Kurt Geiger, Rachel Roy (L), Robert Rodriguez, Robbi & Nikki, Stuart Weitzman, Brian Atwood (L), Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Carvela, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine & Co., GLO, Joan & David, Miss KG, Jones Wear, Kasper, Energie, Evan-Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Sam & Libby, Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon, Pappagallo, Rafe (L) and C&T Costello Tagliapietra (L). 

SOURCE Stuart Weitzman