Stuart Weitzman names global president

New York -- Stuart Weitzman, the luxury footwear brand owned by The Jones Group Inc., has appointed Francois Kress to the newly created position of global president.



Kress, formerly president and chief operating officer of The Row (New York), will oversee all aspects of the Weitzman brand’s global retail and wholesale business and he will assume the role of strategic leader for new initiatives and brand extensions.



Kress has more than 20 years of experience in both luxury retail and wholesale markets, including president and CEO of Prada and Miu Miu USA and CEO and managing director of Bulgari America. He also held senior roles with LVMH.



“We are building the next generation Stuart Weitzman brand,” said company CEO Wayne Kulkin. “Francois brings such a vast tool chest of luxury wholesale and retail experience to our company. We are all excited for the next steps of our brand.”