Changing of the guard at luxury specialty retailer

Barneys New York has promoted its COO to the top job.



Daniella Vitale has been named chief executive officer of the New York-based upscale specialty retailer.



Vitale replaces Mark Lee, who is retiring and will assume the role executive chairman. Lee joined Barneys as chief executive in 2010. He is credited with turning the business around. Lee previously served as CEO of Gucci, and also held positions at Yves Saint Laurent, Armani and Jill Sander. He started his career at Saks Fifth Avenue.



Vitale worked with Lee at Gucci. She was recruited by Lee to join Barneys in 2010, as chief merchant and executive VP. In 2013, she was promoted to COO.



“Leading Barneys New York has been a privilege and the ultimate finale for my full-time career,” stated Lee. “When I joined as CEO in 2010 I thought I would remain for four years. Six and a half years later it’s time for me to turn the day-to-day management over to Daniella who has long been my planned successor and is uniquely qualified to take the leadership reins.”