Retailer Saks Incorporated announced that John Cruz has been appointed Senior Vice President and Director of the New York City Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store effective April 29, 2013. He will report directly to Jennifer de Winter, Executive Vice President of Stores.
Cruz currently serves as Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Beverly Hills store. Previously, he served as General Manager of the New York store from 2005 until 2007 and then Vice President and General Manager of the New York store from 2007 until 2010, when he was promoted to his current post in Beverly Hills. He has been with the Company since 1994, serving in a variety of capacities of increasing responsibility, including positions in the Chicago, Chevy Chase and Highland Park (IL) stores.
Cruz will succeed Suzanne Stemper-Johnson, who has led the New York store since 2007 and is leaving Saks to pursue other interests. Stemper-Johnson has agreed to stay with the Company for a transition period in order to work on various other Company projects.
Steve Sadove, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saks Incorporated, commented, "We are very fortunate that John, who is currently leading our second largest volume store and who has spent many years on the management team of the New York store, is returning to our flagship store in this important role. His strategic abilities and keen focus on both our customers and our associates make him an ideal leader for our iconic New York location. I want to also thank Suzy for her nearly thirty years of service to the Company and her many accomplishments over that time frame. Suzy has been a valued member of our team and we wish her all the best going forward."
About Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 43 full-line stores in 20 states, 5 international licensed stores, 65 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company’s online store.
