Luxury retailer Barneys New York has announced the appointment of Mark Lee to the company as CEO, effective 1 September.
Formerly global president and CEO of the Gucci brand from 2004 to 2008, Lee has over 25 years experience in the luxury brand and retail industry. Lee joined Gucci in 1996 and served from 1997 to 1999 as the senior most global merchandising executive prior to being named CEO of Yves Saint Laurent.
Andy Watson, chairman of Barneys and acting CEO of Istithmar World, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark Lee to the business and look forward to supporting him as he takes the business forward, capitalising on his wealth of experience in the retail industry. The appointment marks an exciting new era for Barneys as we look to build the brand and maximise its existing strong platform for growth. We continue to believe that Barneys is a great business that is well positioned to make the most of market opportunities.
“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding job the existing management team at Barneys has done navigating the business though the unprecedented trading conditions of the global credit crisis without a CEO in place to provide additional support and leadership through such challenging times.”
Lee added: “I am honoured to be joining Barneys as CEO. Barneys is a unique landmark retailer, store and brand, one that is synonymous with luxury and style and I am confident that together with the strong Barneys team we can take the company to even greater prominence.”
