Stuart Weitzman names CMO, announces other promotions

NEW YORK — Luxury shoe retailer Stuart Weitzman has promoted Susan Duffy to chief marketing officer. Duffy, who joined the company in April 2011 as SVP global marketing and communications, will continue to lead marketing, advertising, public relations and social media to ensure the branding message is consistent across all worldwide communications platforms as the company expands into new markets.



"Susan is an excellent brand architect," said executive chairman, Stuart Weitzman. "She is quite skilled in her knowledge of luxury market communications and her initiatives have contributed that extra magic to the brand which has opened the door for new market expansion."



The company also announced that Sally Ross has joined the company in the newly created role of chief merchandising officer of retail. Ross's focus will be to define and execute merchandising and visual strategies for the global retail department. Sally will report to Wayne Kulkin, vice chairman. Most recently, Sally held the position of EVP merchandising for Footwear at The Jones Group, which owns Stuart Weitzman, and prior to that VP, divisional merchandise manager of women's footwear at Bergdorf Goodman.



In addition, effective Nov. 12, Jonathan Lelonek will join Stuart Weitzman as EVP U.S. Wholesale, reporting to Wayne Kulkin, vice chairman. Formerly, director wholesale and merchandising at Prada, Lelonek was responsible for both men's and women's footwear collections. Prior to that, he worked at Salvatore Ferragamo as National Sales Manager for Men's Ready-to-Wear, Footwear and Accessories.



Samara Hodgson has joined the company as VP social and digital innovation, reporting to Duffy. Most recently, she was the senior producer on the digital technology and innovation team at Estee Lauder Inc. in New York, and prior to that role at Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne, Australia. An enhanced social media presence has been a focus for Stuart Weitzman in the fourth quarter and key efforts will continue to drive engagement and optimize the growing community of followers.