Hudson's Bay Company, which owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor in the U.S., said Donald Watros, currently its chief operating officer, has been named president of HBC, a newly expanded role. This appointment is effective on Feb. 1, 2014.
Watros will continue to report to Richard Baker, governor and CEO. Together, Baker and Watros continue to constitute HBC's office of the chairman. HBC's retail division presidents, including Marigay McKee and Liz Rodbell, as well as all corporate executive vice presidents, including the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will report to both Baker and Watros. The company's retail brands include Hudson's Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF5th and Home Outfitters.
“Don Watros' role as President is integral to a new, robust leadership structure that will focus on managing and growing HBC along with its strong and expanding portfolio of brands,” said Baker. “Don's significant retail experience combined with his track record of operational excellence were key in selecting him for this important role and will further our development as a premier North American fashion retailer,” he added.
“I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with Richard and our exceptional team to drive the future growth and value of HBC and our individual banners,” Watros commented. “As a veteran of both HBC and Saks, I will pay particular attention to integrating and delivering on the exciting promise of our merger, while also helping to support all our retail brands and shared services units and to guide the progress of the Company overall.”
Donald Watros was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Hudson's Bay Company in April 2009. Prior to that appointment Watros worked at NRDC Equity Partners LLC. He previously held various management positions at May Department Stores and served as Chief Administrative Officer of Saks Fifth Avenue.
