The Jones Group Announces Leadership Realignment of Footwear, Accessories and Retail Business

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Jones Group Inc. ("Jones," the "Company") (NYSE: JNY) today announced the following management changes in its footwear, accessories and retail business, effective immediately, which capitalize on the Company's depth of management:

• Rick Paterno, formerly President, Wholesale Better Footwear Brands, has been appointed Group President of Footwear. Mr. Paterno will be responsible for all of Jones' wholesale footwear businesses, both domestically and internationally.

• Ron Offir, formerly President of E-Commerce, has been appointed President, Jones Direct Group. Mr. Offir will be responsible for all of Jones' direct to consumer businesses, including company-owned and e-commerce retail.

Both Mr. Paterno and Mr. Offir will report directly to Richard Dickson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Branded Businesses. Dina Battipaglia, Group President of Handbags, and Fran Lukas, Group President of Jones Jewelry Group will also report to Mr. Dickson.

This reorganization follows the departures of Andrew Cohen, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Footwear, Accessories and Retail, and Jay Friedman, who formerly led the company-owned retail business. Messrs. Cohen and Friedman have left the Company to pursue personal interests.

Mr. Dickson stated: "We congratulate Rick and Ron on these well deserved promotions. This management restructuring gives more dedicated leadership to these specific categories of business and will help The Jones Group continue to develop into a premier portfolio of brands in fashion."

Wesley Card, Chief Executive Officer of The Jones Group, stated: "We greatly appreciate Andy's and Jay's substantive contributions to The Jones Group. Both are fine and accomplished professionals, and we wish them only the best as they pursue their personal interests."

About The Jones Group Inc.

The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com ) is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 lifestyle brands with best-in-class product expertise across five divisions: 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 nationally recognized brands and licensing agreements (L) include: Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Rachel Roy (L), Robert Rodriguez, Robbi & Nikki, Stuart Weitzman, B Brian Atwood (L), Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i, Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine & Co, GLO, Joan & David, Joneswear, Andrew Marc/Marc Moto (L), Kasper, Energie, Evan Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Dockers (L), Sam & Libby, Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Pappagallo.  

SOURCE Jones Group Inc.