Retailer Saks Incorporated announced that in addition to his role as President and CEO of Saks Department Store Group, George Jones has assumed operating leadership of Parisian, SDSG’s specialty department store division. Also, Kevin Wills has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations for Parisian from his post of Senior Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Administration for SDSG.
In conjunction with these moves, Rob Gruen has resigned as President and CEO of Parisian.
Jones commented, “Having executed our divisional consolidations over the last two years enables me now to devote more of my time and attention to the important Parisian business.
“I am especially pleased that Kevin Wills will join me in leading the day-to-day operation of Parisian. Kevin’s management and planning skills will be invaluable as we continue to identify and maximize strategic business opportunities for this business.”
Wills has held various financial and administrative positions of increasing responsibility since joining the company in 1997. Prior to that, Wills was Vice President and Controller for the Tennessee Valley Authority and an Audit Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers. The replacement for Wills position at SDSG is yet to be named.
Jones also noted, “I would like to express my appreciation for Rob Gruen’s contribution to Parisian. Rob has been instrumental in developing the merchandise, service, and marketing strategies for this business.”
