The Jones Group Appoints Cynthia DiPietrantonio Chief Operating Officer

NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jones Group Inc. ("Jones," the "Company") (NYSE: JNY) today announced the promotion of Cynthia DiPietrantonio to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.  In this expanded role, Ms. DiPietrantonio will oversee production in The Jones Group's overseas facilities, including its production offices in China and Hong Kong, in addition to her current responsibilities overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Company. Ms. DiPietrantonio, the senior-most operations executive, has been with The Jones Group in several capacities over the past 30 years, most recently as Chief Operations Officer.  She will continue to report to Wesley R. Card, Chief Executive Officer of The Jones Group. 

"I am extremely proud to announce the well-deserved promotion of such a talented and integral member of the Jones executive team," said Mr. Card.  "This promotion comes at an important time, as we continue to implement a seamless supply chain.  Since her appointment as Chief Operations Officer five years ago, Cindy has proven herself to be an excellent manager and has been essential in driving company-wide improvements, including enhancing efficiencies in our distribution centers and implementing better buying and planning processes.  Cindy's nearly 30-year career at Jones is a testament to her capabilities and our strategy of attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry." 

Ms. DiPietrantonio said: "It is a pleasure to continue on my path at The Jones Group in the expanded role of COO.   We remain focused on enhancing speed to market, sourcing and supply chain management and product development cycle times through proper support systems and controls.  I look forward to continuing to execute our cost efficiency, inventory and synergy goals and building on our strong position for growth."

About Cynthia DiPietrantonio

Ms. DiPietrantonio's tenure at The Jones Group extends over 30 years, serving in various capacities of progressive responsibility.  She was named Chief Operations Officer of The Jones Group in 2007 and oversees the day-to-day operations, including Systems and Technology, Logistics and Operations, Customer Service, Imports, Customs and Compliance, and Distribution. She also oversees strategic relationships, including third-party logistics and retail vendors.  Ms. DiPietrantonio's responsibilities include the development of strategic supply chain initiatives for the Company, in collaboration with senior management and the Board of Directors. As COO, Ms. DiPietrantonio will also oversee domestic and international production at all overseas facilities, including The Jones Group's Hong Kong offices and production offices in China.  

In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Ms. DiPietrantonio serves as Co-Chair and a member of the Board of Directors of Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) and as Co-Chair of VICS Item Level RFID Initiative (VILRI), the industry-led initiative for use of radio-frequency identification (RFID).   She is a member of the Advisory Board for Sheex, a luxury performance bedding manufacturer.  She has been an invited guest speaker at numerous professional and industry conferences, including the National Retail Federation (NRF), U-Connect and The Wharton Women Business Conference at The University of Pennsylvania.  Ms. DiPietrantonio is an active member of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business.  She currently volunteers in several charitable and non-profit programs.

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, through concessions at upscale department 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, Kasper, Energie, Evan-Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon, Pappagallo and Rafe (L). 

SOURCE The Jones Group Inc.