Susan Itzkowitz, who has helped build some of the shoe industry’s most powerful brands and paved the way for generations of women leaders, is retiring next month.
After 40 years in footwear, the president of Marc Fisher Footwear will retire on April 15. She plans to remain an adviser at the firm.
“It has been the greatest privilege to have Susan as my partner in building Marc Fisher Footwear over the past 20 years,” said Marc Fisher, chief executive officer of his eponymous company. “Her unparalleled sales knowledge and the deep, trusting relationships she built across the industry are the true cornerstones of our success. She has also been instrumental in creating a culture that makes our company so special for employees and customers alike. We will all miss Susan tremendously, but we are all so happy for her to begin the next chapter of her life and enjoy her family.”
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Itzkowitz’s expertise and vision were pivotal in growing the company into a contemporary brand powerhouse. Founded in 2005, the business now has a roster of 18 owned licensed brands — including Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nine West, Hunter and many others.
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Key partners lauded Itzkowitz’s deep influence and impact. “Susan has been an exceptional partner to Authentic Brands Group. Her integrity, deep understanding of the footwear industry and proven ability to build and steward brands have been instrumental to our shared success across Nine West, Hunter, and others. We are grateful for her long-standing partnership and are pleased to see her reach this well-deserved milestone,” said Jarrod Weber, global president, sports and lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group.
As Marc Fisher transitions into a new leadership structure, it has appointed Alan Luchette, chief operating officer, and Matt Rush, president of wholesale, to serve as copresidents, reporting to Mr. Fisher.
In this new structure, Luchette will oversee production, operations, e-commerce and IT, while Rush will lead all sales divisions, including wholesale and international, account services along with marketing.
In addition, Adam Fisher has been promoted to president of product development and design.
Looking Back on an Illustrious Career
Itzkowitz’s path wasn’t an obvious one. Born and raised in Bayside, Queens, N.Y., in what Itzkowitz described as a “very traditional household,” she wasn’t exposed to many examples of career women. While her father was a salesman in the Garment District, her mother stayed home. However, she did impart many important lessons to her daughter: “My mother instilled in me a great sense of integrity, of work ethic and compassion,” recalled Itzkowitz in 2004, when she was inducted into FN’s Hall of Fame.
After studying communication at Cornell University, Itzkowitz entered the executive training program at JCPenney, which at the time was a heavily male-dominated organization. “I found it to be very challenging in many ways,” Itzkowitz said. “But for me, it wasn’t about being a woman in a man’s world. I knew I was smart, and I knew my job was to be the best, period.”
From there, she went on to positions at The May Co. and Federated Department Stores — and eventually made a fateful move to Nine West in 1986.
Though the gender gap at Nine West was still stark (Itzkowitz was the company’s first female executive hire), she spent nearly 20 years at the company, describing it as an “incredible experience,” working alongside company leaders like Jack Fisher, Vince Camuto and Wayne Weaver. And it was there she met Marc Fisher, who would later become her business partner.
After Nine West was sold to Jones Apparel Group Inc., Itzkowitz and Fisher started Marc Fisher Footwear in 2005 with a different business model in mind.
“Our mission was always to be more than just another footwear company — we wanted to make a difference. To achieve that, we knew we had to operate differently,” Itzkowitz said. “We built an interactive culture laser-focused on empowering our people, because we believe that when talented people are free to innovate, they create the best product. That has always been the key to our success.”
As the industry has undergone significant change and challenge during the past two deacdes, one special attribute has helped Itzkowitz navigate almost any tough situation: her sense of humor.
“It’s something I’ve always relied on to keep me sane. When you can inject some humor, it gives you instant perspective. It helps you take a step back and remember not to sweat the small stuff, so you can keep your energy focused on the priorities that truly matter,” she said.
A Guiding Light for Women
Armed with lessons from her own journey, Itzkowitz has mentored and guided female executives throughout her career — from the team at Marc Fisher to trusted retailers to young women getting their start in the shoe business.
“She has been a trailblazer and a role model for so many women, leaving an indelible mark on the industry,” said Tacey Powers, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of shoes, accessories, home, and kids at Nordstrom. “Susan is truly an icon in the footwear industry. While I will deeply miss her partnership and straightforward, principled approach, I will also miss her friendship.”
“Susan’s influence extends far beyond the brands she helped build,” added Kelli Fujitani, senior executive vice president at Marc Fisher. “I have worked with Susan since she and Marc started Marc Fisher Footwear and prior to that. She has been a mentor, a role model, and a trusted adviser to so many. Her leadership helped shape not only a successful company but also the careers of many women who followed in her footsteps,” she said.
Outside of being a trusted mentor, Itzkowitz has given back as a force on the boards of Two Ten, Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, the Shoes for a Cure breast cancer fundraiser and other charitable organizations.
And through it all, what has kept Itzkowitz grounded is her family. “I learned early on to put things in perspective,” said Itzkowitz. “You have to be willing to work incredibly hard in this business, but you can’t let it consume you. There’s your career, and then there’s your life — and my family always ensured I never lost sight of what’s truly important.”
— With contributions from Jennie Bell