Brief
- Amidst a barrage of top-tier appointments, Nordstrom tapped Jamie Nordstrom as the new CMo (Chief Merchandising Officer). Previously serving as the company's Chief Stores Officer, he's a cousin to CEO Erik Nordstrom and President and Chief Brand Officer Pete Nordstrom.
- The announcement also acknowledged Gemma Lionello as the president of Nordstrom Rack. She was earlier the senior vice president and regional manager of Nordstrom's Northeast region.
- Fanya Chandler stepped into the presidency of Nordstrom stores, a role she previously held as the senior vice president and regional manager of the Southwest region.
Insight:
Nordstrom rearranges executive roles once more
Jamie Nordstrom's predecessor, Teri Bariquit, retired from her role this year after nearly four decades with the company. According to Thomai Serdari, a luxury marketing and branding professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, the new CMo needs more than operational know-how; they need an agile and audacious perspective to adapt American culture into a compelling merchandising strategy.
With over 28 years of expertise under his belt, Jamie Nordstrom brings leadership experience from various domains, including merchandising, store operations, and both the full-line and Rack websites. He will be reporting to Pete Nordstrom, showcasing the family bond in the executive tier of the company.
Nordstrom experienced a major leadership reshuffle last year, with Rack President Geevy Thomas and Chief Marketing Officer Scott Meden retiring. At that time, Jamie Nordstrom assumed the role of chief stores officer, managing both full-line and Rack stores. Additionally, a new role of chief customer officer was created, which was filled by Nordstrom's COO.
Lionello, with 35 years of commitment to the company, will oversee the strategy and execution of Nordstrom Rack, aiming to expand its reach in key markets. Even though sales are dwindling, the company is planning to expand the off-price business by opening 11 more stores this year.
"Gemma understands the Rack's essence: offering customers a stellar experience while catering to their needs at unbeatable prices," said Erik Nordstrom. Her extensive experience in managing teams within the stores and merchandising organizations will be crucial for building momentum in the Rack business and executing their strategy.
Chandler, who has been with the company for almost 32 years, will oversee the Nordstrom stores. She has a history of growing the retailer's digital selling and styling programs and has managed stores across the Southwest region.
In the latest earnings report, Nordstrom revealed that Q2 net sales shrank by 8.2% year over year, while e-commerce fell nearly 13%.
- In the executive tier of the company, Jamie Nordstrom will report to Pete Nordstrom, having transitioned from his role as the Chief Stores Officer to the newly appointed CMo (Chief Merchandising Officer).
- Gemma Lionello, with 35 years of commitment to Nordstrom, has been appointed the president of Nordstrom Rack, tasked with expanding its reach in key markets despite a decline in sales.
- Fanya Chandler, with almost 32 years of experience with the company, will oversee the Nordstrom stores, leveraging her expertise in growing the retailer's digital selling and styling programs.
- The finance and retail industry is observing a significant shift as Nordstrom undergoes a major leadership reshuffle, with Jamie Nordstrom, Gemma Lionello, and Fanya Chandler stepping into key positions.
- According to Thomai Serdari, a luxury marketing and branding professor, the new CMo needs more than operational know-how; they need an agile and audacious perspective to adapt American culture into a compelling merchandising strategy.
- With the departure of Teri Bariquit, who retired after nearly four decades with the company, the AI in the retail business might play a crucial role in adapting to the ever-changing market demands and customer preferences.
