Stuart Weitzman Announces New Global President

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Dec 05, 2013, 07:00 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Stuart Weitzman Holdings, LLC announced today that Francois Kress has joined as Global President. In this newly created position, Kress will oversee all aspects of the global retail and wholesale business plus take on the role of strategic leader for new initiatives and brand extensions. He will report directly to Wayne Kulkin, CEO, and will be based out of international headquarters in New York City.

Kress brings more than 20 years of knowledge in both luxury retail and wholesale markets, working previously as President and CEO of Prada and Miu Miu USA, CEO and Managing Director of Bulgari America. Most recently, he has served as President and COO at The Row.

"We are building the next generation Stuart Weitzman brand and are elated and pleased to announce Francois Kress in the newly created role as global president," said Wayne Kulkin, CEO. "Francois brings such a vast tool chest of luxury wholesale and retail experience to our company. We are all excited for the next steps of our brand. Francois will be a key catalyst in driving new initiatives as well as leading and collaborating with our talented management team already in place around the world. We are all looking forward to seeing the impact and benefits of Francois's leadership."

"Over the years, I have been very impressed by the company's evolution. Stuart Weitzman and his whole team have built a strong and consistent global brand which is engraved in the American fashion landscape. It elegantly combines women's needs with the glamorous allure of fashion luxury. I'm extremely enthusiastic to join such an iconic brand and to be part of its future expansion," said Francois Kress.

ABOUT STUART WEITZMAN HOLDINGS LLC

A little obsessed with shoes.

Stuart Weitzman Holdings LLC, a global leader in designer footwear, operates 45 retail stores across the United States, including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Boston and Las Vegas. The company also has 59 international stores and is sold in more than 80 countries.

A luxury brand built upon the idea of creating a beautifully-constructed shoe, founder and designer Stuart Weitzman's main objective has always been to merge fashion and function. The first thing a women puts on in the morning and the last thing she takes off at night, his shoes are designed to feel as good as they look and to look as good as they feel.

ABOUT THE JONES GROUP INC.

The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com) is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 brands with product expertise in apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbags. The Jones Group has a reputation for innovation, excellence in product quality and value, operational execution and talent. The Company also markets directly to consumers through branded specialty retail and outlet stores, through concessions at upscale department stores and through its e-commerce sites.

The Company's internationally recognized brands and licensing agreements (L) include: Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Kurt Geiger, Rachel Roy (L), Robert Rodriguez, Robbi & Nikki, Stuart Weitzman, Brian Atwood (L), Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Carvela, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine & Co., GLO, Joan & David, Miss KG, Kasper, Energie, Evan-Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon, Pappagallo and Rafe (L).