Zant named president at Belk

Regional department store operator Belk wasted no time filling its president and head merchant position after Kathryn Bufano vacated those positions to become CEO of The Bon-Ton Stores.



Within minutes of Bon-Ton’s announcement that it had hired Bufano, Belk named David Zant president and chief merchandising officer, effective August 11. Zant has served as EVP and general merchandise manager of men’s, home and kids since 2008 and in his new role will report to Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of the 299-unit chain.



“(David Zant) is an exceptional merchant who is well-respected in our industry, and who will bring great strategic leadership to these areas of our business,” Belk said.



Zant began his retail career in 1978 and held senior merchandising positions with Saks and the former Mercantile Stores Company. He joined Belk in June 2001 as president of Belk’s former central division in Charlotte. He was named EVP and GMM of men’s and home in August 2002 and also served as EVP and GMM of feminine apparel. He left the company in 2005 to serve as vice chairman of private brands, merchandise planning and Internet marketing at The Bon-Ton, but returned to Belk in 2008.



Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk operates in 16 Southern states.