Socol to retire as head of Barneys

NEW YORK Barneys New York announced today the resignation of Howard Socol as chairman, president and ceo. Socol served in that capacity since January 2001 through a period of significant growth at Barneys and through two changes in ownership of the company.

Mr. Socol stated, “After more than seven of the greatest years of my long career in retail, I felt it was time to take time to enjoy all the opportunities that life affords. I felt strongly about remaining with the company for a short period following the sale to Istithmar as well as through the opening of our Las Vegas flagship. With the sale process well behind us and the Las Vegas location having opened in January of this year, this is the appropriate time to move forward. Barneys is very fortunate to have a fantastic management team that has been together for many years and that has led Barneys to the preeminent place in luxury retailing today.” 

During Socol’s tenure with Barneys, the Company initiated an expansion program and has opened four flagship stores, 15 Barneys New York CO-OP stores and two outlet stores. Socol will remain with the company through the end of June.