Saks has appointed NBA All-Star, entrepreneur and investor, James Harden, as an independent member of its Board. Harden also made a minority investment in the retailer.
Harden, who has made a minority investment in the company, will assist in to grow its consumer brands as a notable fashion enthusiast. His appointment marks the latest in the company’s goal to become a luxury e-commerce platform.
Harden, a star guard for the Brooklyn Nets, has an investment portfolio which includes minority ownership of Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Houston Dash and stakes in various brands, including Therabody, BodyArmor, Art of Sport, Stance, and Pura, where he serves as creative director. Harden is also the founder of Thirteen, a Houston-based fine dining restaurant.
Saks’ Executive Chairman, Richard Baker said, “As we work to build this new board, James is an important and valuable addition. With experience in growing businesses and as someone who values self-expression through fashion, I am confident that he will bring a distinct point of view that will help us better deliver for our customers. His expertise, combined with that of our other board members, will enable Saks to further capitalize on the significant growth opportunity within luxury e-commerce.”
In addition to Harden, Deven Parekh, Adam Berger of Insight Partners and a minority shareholder in Saks, and Franz-Ferdinand Buerstedde of Rhône Capital, were appointed as Board members. Harden, Parekh, Berger and Buerstedde join Baker, Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks and Sebastian Gunningham, a strategic advisor to the company, as Board members.
Photo courtesy James Harden
