Jamie Nordstrom Named Retailer’s Chief Merchandising Officer

Nordstrom Inc. (Seattle) announced that Jamie Nordstrom has been named Chief Merchandising Officer. Nordstrom previously served as the company’s Chief Stores Officer; he replaces Teri Bariquit, who retired earlier this year.

Throughout his tenure, Nordstrom has held leadership positions across several areas of the business, including merchandising, store operations, Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com.

“Our merchandising organization is the backbone of Nordstrom, and our teams are exceptional at providing best-in-class service and a relevant, inspiring product offering for our customers,” said Pete Nordstrom, President and Chief Brand Officer. “Jamie has experience working across nearly every aspect of our business and has held broad-based leadership roles in merchandising, stores and digital over the span of his 28-year career with the company. We’re confident Jamie’s proven track record and experience will bring us even closer to our customers as he leads our merchandising organization into the future.”

The company also unveiled two other executive leadership appointments in its merchandising and store organizations, effective immediately:

* Fanya Chandler, a 32-year veteran at the company, was appointed President, Nordstrom stores, responsible for overseeing the strategy and execution of the company’s luxury department stores.

* Gemma Lionello, who has been with the company for 35 years, was appointed to the newly created role of president, Nordstrom Rack, the retailer’s off-price line that has been its main growth vehicle in recent years.

“We’re fortunate to have such exceptional leaders in Fanya and Gemma to help us continue to drive our Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack businesses forward, and these changes leverage their tremendous talent,” said Pete Nordstrom. “Fanya is a proven leader who has taken on numerous complex assignments throughout her Nordstrom career, including growing our digital selling and styling programs and overseeing Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in the Southwest region. She has an extensive track record of driving value to our business and putting our customer at the center of everything we do.”

Nordstrom CEO Erik Nordstrom said, “Gemma understands the core of our Rack offering: how we deliver exceptional customer service while offering customers the very best products at a terrific price. Her depth of experience leading teams within our stores and merchandising organizations will be critical as we build on the positive momentum we’ve seen in our Rack business and continue to execute on our strategy.”

The retailer operates about 350 stores under the Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack flags.