Nine West Group, a division of Jones Apparel Group, Inc., appointed Richard Paterno, as president, Wholesale Better Footwear Brands, effective March 31. In this newly created role, Paterno will oversee sales management and business strategy for Nine West's better wholesale footwear business, including Nine West, Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Circa Joan & David, AK Anne Klein, Boutique 9 and Easy Spirit.


Paterno will report to Andrew Cohen, CEO, Wholesale Footwear and Accessories.

Paterno has more than 30 years of industry experience. He most recently served as President and CEO of Rockport, which Jones said experienced significant growth under his leadership. Previously, he served as president of Easy Spirit, which Nine West Group acquired in 1995.


Cohen said, “Rick is an experienced and talented merchant, and I am pleased to welcome him back to Nine West Group. I am confident that our highly qualified team will benefit from his leadership and expertise. Our better brands enjoy strong department store penetration, and by unifying those brands under the guidance of an industry veteran we will ensure ongoing brand and product differentiation, as well as further enhance our relationships with our wholesale partners.”

In addition, Nine West Group welcomed back Patrick McLaughlin, who has been appointed president, Nine West and Boutique 9 Wholesale, effective March 3. McLaughlin, along with the other wholesale better
footwear division heads, will report to Paterno.