Laurie Black Retires at Nordstrom

Laurie Black, a 35-year veteran with Nordstrom Inc. (Seattle), has resigned as evp and general merchandise manager. one of the highest-profile and most influential retailers in the U.S. beauty market, has announced her retirement, effective April 1.

She will be succeeded by Gemma Lionello, a 25-year Nordstrom who is now the regional manager for South.

Black, who began as a store clerk in 1978, was named vp, corporate merchandise manager of the women’s specialized, accessories and gifts divisions, in 1999. In 2001, she was named president of Nordstrom Rack, the retailer’s off-price venture. She became head of cosmetics in 2006. According to the company, the cosmetics staff drove the division’s sales to a record $1 billion in sales for 2012. It is regarded in the cosmetics world as one of the top four prestige retailers.