Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M) has announced that Robert Chavez will join its Board of Directors as an independent director starting April 1, 2025. This strategic move comes as Macy’s aims to capitalize on growth opportunities across its three major nameplates: Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bluemercury.
Tony Spring, Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc., stated, “Bob will bring significant additional retail industry and leadership experience to our Board as we further our efforts to capture market share and deliver sustainable growth for stakeholders.”
A Distinguished Career in Luxury Retail
Chavez’s illustrious career spans more than four decades, with a primary focus on luxury retail. He most recently served as President and CEO of Hermès Americas for 24 years, overseeing operations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Under his leadership, Hermès achieved substantial growth by:
- Expanding its e-commerce business, becoming a pioneer in online luxury retail.
- Diversifying product offerings, including new categories under the Hermès brand.
- Growing the physical store footprint across key markets.
Before his tenure at Hermès, Chavez was the CEO of Etienne Aigner Group, a Munich-based luxury fashion house specializing in leather goods. His expertise spans manufacturing, wholesale, and global retail operations.
A Return to His Roots at Macy’s
Chavez’s appointment to the Board marks a significant return to Macy’s, where he began his career as part of Bloomingdale’s Executive Development Program before serving as a Divisional Merchandising Manager at Macy’s.
“I am honoured to join the Macy’s Board and contribute to the growth of a company that shaped my early career and remains a leader in the retail industry,” said Chavez.
Sara Levinson to Depart Macy’s Board in 2025
As Chavez steps in, Sara Levinson, a Board member since 2004, will not stand for re-election at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders due to the Board’s mandatory retirement age policy. Paul Varga, Macy’s lead independent director, acknowledged Levinson’s contributions, saying, “We thank Sara for her impactful service and are excited to welcome Bob to help guide Macy’s into its next chapter.”
Macy’s continues to focus on strategic initiatives, including its “Bold New Chapter” plan to capture market share and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. The company is leveraging a robust digital presence alongside a strong physical retail footprint of:
- ~500 Macy’s stores
- Nearly 60 Bloomingdale’s locations
- Over 160 Bluemercury specialty beauty stores
With the addition of Chavez’s extensive luxury retail expertise, Macy’s is poised to enhance its omnichannel strategy and maintain its position as a retail leader.
