Ulta Beauty VP moves over to Hudson’s Bay

Sophia Hwang-Judiesch has been appointed president of Hudson’s Bay.

Hudson’s Bay Company is losing one of its longtime executives.

Hudson’s Bay has named Sophia Hwang-Judiesch as president, effective Sept. 19. She will succeed Wayne Drummond, who is retiring after a 34-year career with HBC.  

Hwang-Judiesch joins Hudson’s Bay from Ulta Beauty, where she most recently served as VP of strategic initiatives and led the build and launch of Ulta@Target. Previously, Hwang-Judiesch was senior VP at Carter's Oshkosh, responsible for the company's largest multi-channel market with accountability for stores, e-commerce and wholesale.

Hwang-Judiesch will report to Richard Baker, governor and executive chairman, HBC and join The Bay’s executive committee, led by Iain Nairn, president and chief executive officer of The Bay.

“We are very excited to have Sophia's broad global and category experience on our team, as we transform The Bay and Hudson's Bay for Canadians,” said Nairn. We are making incredible strides in technology and digital innovations, and our store organization is critical to the omnichannel experience of our customers. I am confident that Sophia will lead the team on an exciting and transformational journey that delivers impact for our customers and results for the company,”

Last year, The Bay digital business and Hudson’s Bay stores split into two separate businesses. The two operate collaboratively to deliver a seamless customer experience, and The Bay remains responsible overall for shared functions including brand direction, marketing, buying, planning and technology for both businesses.

Working closely with The Bay on the overall omni-customer, brand, and platform strategy, Hwang-Judiesch will bring to life the Hudson’s Bay stores component of the strategy, including the execution of the company’s in-store digital selling transformation, customer experience and store optimization, the company said.

“I am excited to return home to Toronto, as I already hold a deep connection and affinity for Hudson’s Bay, so I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead Hudson’s Bay stores,” stated Hwang-Judiesch. “This is an incredibly exciting time in the industry, when brick-and-mortar retail is redefining itself. I look forward to building on the transformation already underway at Hudson’s Bay, to elevate and shape the customer journey and drive growth across the business.”

The Bay operates thebay.com featuring Marketplace, one of the largest premium life and style digital platforms in Canada, with a connection to a network of 84 Hudson's Bay stores.  

The Bay and Hudson’s Bay operate under the Hudson’s Bay Company brand portfolio, which also includes the Saks Fifth Avenue and the Saks Off 5th banners.

X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds