Saks Fifth Avenue (New York) has announced the departure of president Marigay McKee and the appointment of Marc Metrick in her place. Metrick was most recently evp and chief administrative officer of Saks’ parent company, Hudson’s Bay Co. (Toronto).
McKee’s tenure as president lasted just 15 months. While Saks insiders praised the former Harrods (London) executive’s creativity and “sense of showmanship,” her time as president was marred by upper-level management turnover and, according to one source, a “lack of leadership,” reports Women’s Wear Daily.
Metrick was a 16-year Saks veteran before joining HBC three years ago. His areas of expertise include merchandise allocation and planning processes, data mining, financial controls, business development and marketing, reports WWD. Metrick developed corporate strategies for all of the Hudson's Bay banners, including Saks, Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay. Metrick also helped to lead HBC’s 2013 acquisition of Saks. Metrick is currently leading the search for a new chief merchant. The previous occupant of that office, Jennifer DeWinter, departed Saks for Tiffany & Co. (New York) in January.