Au Revoir

Saks Inc. (Birmingham, Ala.) announced that Rob Gruen has resigned as president and ceo of its Parisian unit.

George Jones, president and ceo of the Saks Department Store Group (SDSG), has assumed Gruen's duties. Also, the company has promoted Kevin Wills to executive vp of operations for Parisian. He was previously SDSG's senior vp of merchandise planning and administration for SDSG.

“Having executed our divisional consolidations over the last two years enables me now to devote more of my time and attention to the important Parisian business,” Jones says. “I am especially pleased that Kevin Wills will join me in leading the day-to-day operation of Parisian. His management and planning skillswill be invaluable as we continue to identify and maximize strategic business opportunities for this business.”

Jones also noted, “I would like to express my appreciation for Rob Gruen's contribution to Parisian. He has been instrumental in developing the merchandise, service and marketing strategies for this business.”

The retailer's SDSG operates 245 department stores under the names of Parisian, Proffitt's, McRae's, Younkers, Herberger's, Carson Pirie Scott, Bergner's, and Boston Store. The company also operates Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises, which consists of 60 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 52 Saks Off 5th stores.