Former Louis Vuitton exec to lead Bergdorf Goodman
An experienced luxury merchant has been tapped to head up Bergdorf Goodman, a New York City retail landmark since 1901.
Exemplar Luxury Group, parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, has appointed Lanessa Elrod as president of Bergdorf Goodman, effective Nov. 2. Elrod succeeds Tracy Margolies, who transitions to executive adviser at Exemplar.
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Most recently, Elrod served as president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas where she oversaw its business across the U.S., Canada and Latin America. In the role, she is credited with leading a period of substantial business growth, championing innovation across the organization and cultivating genuine relationships with teams and customers alike. She left Louis Vuitton in May 2024 after nearly 14 years with the company.
Elrod's early career spanned the several brands that are now part of Exemplar Luxury Group. She held merchandising roles at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.
She began her career in the buying departments of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and, and from 2005 to 2010, held various positions at Bergdorf Goodman. She left to join Louis Vuitton, where she served in various roles before being named head of the company’s business in the Americas in 2017.
"Bergdorf Goodman is a crown jewel in the industry, known as an important catalyst for identifying and nurturing designer talent and its unmatched ability to anticipate customer preferences and exceed their desires," said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Exemplar Luxury Group. "As we continue to realize the full potential of our banners, Lanessa's appointment marks an important step in advancing our strategic priorities and further strengthening Bergdorf's position as the pinnacle of luxury."
In a post on LinkedIn, Elrod wrote that Bergdorf Goodman “holds a unique place in luxury retail, built on a rich heritage, incredible customer service and unmatched curation.”
“I look forward to working alongside Geoffroy van Raemdonck, the exceptional team, and our brand partners to build on that legacy and shape Bergdorf’s next era, deepening personal connections with customers and bringing the store’s spirit of discovery to life in new ways,” she wrote.
