Don Watros to Become HBC President

Don Watros, whom Women’s Wear Daily called “the secret weapon” at The Hudson’s Bay Co. (Toronto), will become president on Feb. 1, 2014.

Watros is currently chief operating officer for the $7.5 billion retail conglomerate, and said to be a close right-hand man to chairman and ceo Richard Baker.

Watros worked with Baker at NRDC Equity Partners (Purchase, N.Y.), the firm that initially acquired Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay. Previously, Watros held management positions at May Department Stores Co. and in Saks’ corporate finance division.

Executives from all the store divisions in the growing operation – which now includes not only The Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters in Canada, but also Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Ave. in the U.S. – will report to both Watros and Baker. Two key spots remain to be filled: a coo to replace himself and a new president for the Saks Off 5th outlet chain. 

Watros said he would be involved in many operational issues, such as logistics, supply chain, systems, human resources and compensation, but will likely leave the merchandising and marketing to experienced retail executives like Marigay McKee at Saks and Liz Rodbell at Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay. Baker will be involved in strategy, including the possibility of further acquisitions and real estate.