HBC May Promote Bonnie Brooks

Hudson’s Bay Co. (Toronto) is expected to announce the promotion of Bonnie Brooks to vice chairman of the parent company, effective at the beginning of 2014.

Women’s Wear Daily announced that Brooks, currently president of the company’s Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor retail divisions, “will be assuming a more strategic, lower-profile advisory role working with ceo Richard Baker.” “She’ll be working closer with Richard on long-term growth strategies,” a source told Women’s Wear.

Liz Rodbell, currently evp of the two chains, will replace Brooks as president, reporting directly to Baker. She will continue as chief merchant, overseeing the buying teams, and will add marketing, e-commerce and planning. Chief operating officer Don Watros will pick up the store operations responsibilities Brooks had in her former role.

Though it would be a promotion, WWD speculated that it might more accurately be considered a slowing down and retrenchment of Brooks’ activities. “Sometimes in retailing when a vice chairman position is created, it’s actually a prelude for retirement, or a holding slot for some future job,” wrote WWD’s David Moin.