Bergdorf Goodman, seeking to strengthen its merchandising organization, has made two key promotions.
George Fountas has been promoted to senior vice president and general merchandise manager for women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, beauty and Little BG.
Also, Young-Su Kim has been promoted to senior vice president and general merchandise manager for menswear. He’s also been named men’s fashion director.
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Separately, Melissa Xides, Bergdorf’s chief retail officer, will leave the company on Nov. 26. She will become president of an undisclosed company within the hospitality industry. Bergdorf’s is exploring how to fill that role, but in the meantime, Bergdorf’s president Tracy Margolies will oversee the retail team, including its women’s store and separate men’s store, and their operations.
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Bergdorf’s is also exploring how to fill the role of chief merchandising officer. Yumi Shin left the position in October for another job, widely expected to be at Nordstrom, which has yet to comment. Shin was with Bergdorf’s for seven years. It’s possible Bergdorf’s hires a new chief merchandising officer or delegates the responsibilities Shin had to executives currently working at the retailer.
Fountas has been with Bergdorf Goodman for over 12 years, most recently serving as vice president and general merchandise manager for designer and contemporary ready-to-wear and Little BG. Prior to that he was a divisional merchandise manager overseeing designer ready-to-wear and a buyer for couture. Before joining Bergdorf’s he held merchandising roles at Bloomingdale’s.
Young-Su has been with Bergdorf Goodman for six years, serving as vice president and divisional merchandise manager for men’s. Prior to that he spent 12 years at Barneys New York in merchandising roles of increasing responsibility.
Both executives report to Margolies; they had reported to Shin.
In a statement Monday, Margolies said, “George and Young-Su have deep expertise in luxury fashion merchandising, and their leadership will continue to be instrumental to Bergdorf Goodman’s work to inspire customers with the latest in luxury fashion.”
The two promotions did not lead to further departures from Bergdorf’s.
Andrew Mandell continues to serve as divisional merchandise manager for jewelry and home. He reports to Margolies.
The role of Bergdorf’s men’s fashion director has been open since 2023, when Bruce Pask shifted to Neiman Marcus and later shifted again to become senior director of men’s for Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Saks, Neiman’s, and Bergdorf’s, along with Saks Off 5th, are part of Saks Global.
As reported, Saks Global is exploring the possibility of selling a minority interest in Bergdorf Goodman for up to $1 billion.