After a prolonged search for a new CEO, Bloomingdale’s has chosen Oliver Bron to succeed Tony Spring who is now President of Macy’s and is CEO-elect of Macy’s next February.
Bron was most recently CEO of the Central Group of Bangkok and previously of Robinson Department Stores in Thailand. Prior to that he was Chief Operating Officer and Director of Strategy for the French retail group Galeries Lafayette in Paris, where he played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and strategic planning. Bron previously spent over a decade focused on retail transformation at Bain and Company.
Bron is moving back to New York and will start his assignment in November. He will report to Tony Spring who said: “We have found an authentic and charismatic leader who understands and appreciates Bloomingdale’s culture, unique positioning in the marketplace, and unparalleled multicategory assortment. His extensive international retail career and deep knowledge of the luxury market will be invaluable as we pursue additional opportunities for growth. I am confident that Oliver’s leadership, expertise, and enthusiasm, will further strengthen the Bloomingdale’s brand to ensure we remain like no other store in the world.”
Bron responded: “I am honored to be named the next CEO of Bloomingdale’s. Throughout the 150+ year history Bloomingdale’s has represented the best assortment of premium products in the marketplace. I’ve been a long-time admirer of the brand and Tony who has built the foundation for such an incredible organization with inspiring talent and loyal customers. I look forward to building on the team’s momentum across Bloomingdale’s including new store formats and continued digital expansion.”
Tony Spring, during his long tenure at Bloomingdale, was able to change image of Bloomindale’s and create a more youthful company with emphasis on luxury fashion brands. Bloomingdale’s, a division of Macy’s, has 34 full line stores and 20 Outlet stores. It also has developed Bloomies, a smaller edited version of the main store. There are three Bloomies so far, although more could be in the works.
POSTSCRIPT: Welcome Oliver Bron. The ideas of new store formats and more digital expansions will help the future growth of Bloomingdale’s. There is great spirit in the company now, and it will be up to you to maintain the customer-centric drive. Bloomingdale’s is a gem; the customer is loyal and the opportunities are great.
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