Designer Brands Inc. said that in addition to her ongoing role as vice chairman, Debbie Ferrée has been named president of Camuto Group, a role she has held on an interim basis since August 2020. In addition, William Jordan has been named president of Designer Brands.
The appointments are designed to support DBI’s market performance and its work to meet customer needs effectively and efficiently through its omnichannel capabilities.
“Designer Brands continues to stay ahead of retail consumer and fashion trends, as evidenced by our ongoing improving financial performance,” said DBI’s Chief Executive Officer Roger Rawlins. “To maintain this competitive advantage, we need the right leaders to guide us in evaluating and identifying ways to enhance our organizational structure, including the ongoing integration of Camuto Group to unlock greater value for the enterprise. This ensures that we will continue meeting customers’ needs both in stores and online, as our business recovers and we make the necessary investments to build a stronger foundation for the future.”
As president of Camuto Group, Ferrée will accelerate her executive duties of advancing Camuto’s integration into the DBI organization and growing brands. Integration work includes continued growth of brands exclusive to DSW such as JLO Jennifer Lopez, Kelly & Katie and Crown Vintage and the company’s other owned brands including Vince Camuto. DBI’s owned brands have gained strength in recent quarters and represented 15 of the Top 25 selling items at DSW in the first quarter of 2021.
As president of Designer Brands, Jordan will continue to oversee its shared services functions, including human resources and information technology. As part of Camuto Group’s continued integration, the sourcing and supply chain business functions will move under Jordan in Designer Brands’ shared services organization.
Photos courtesy Camuto Group, Debbie Ferrée, William Jordan
