In a surprising high-level reorganization, the Toronto-based Hudson’s Bay Co. is expected to soon unveil new roles for Bonnie Brooks and Liz Rodbell that will take effect at the beginning of 2014.
Sources said Brooks, currently president of the Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor divisions, will become vice chairman of the parent Hudson’s Bay Co. The gregarious Brooks has been very visible in the fashion markets and in the stores, but will be assuming a more strategic, lower-profile advisory role working with chief executive officer Richard Baker. “She’ll be working closer with Richard on long-term growth strategies,” said one source.
Rodbell is said to be stepping up from executive vice president of Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor to president of the two chains, thereby deepening her involvement in the day-to-day operations. She continues as chief merchant, overseeing the buying teams, and will add marketing, e-commerce and planning, which have been reporting to Brooks. In addition, she will report to Baker, instead of Brooks.
HBC officials declined comment on the changes. Speculation on the reasons for the appointments ranged from HBC’s desire to hang onto its top executives by reassigning them and locking them into new contracts, to Brooks, at 60, wanting to take it easier. There was also speculation that Brooks hasn’t been happy in her current role, triggering the reassignment. But a source close to the situation stated flatly, “That is not true,” adding Brooks joined HBC in 2008 planning to stay five years.
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.
Brooks and Rodbell are highly regarded veteran retail executives and are key to pumping up productivity and launching new formats at Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor. Hudson’s Bay is busy renovating stores, rolling out Topshops and omnichannel initiatives, and launching Kleinfeld’s bridal in Canada, while Lord & Taylor has begun opening stores again and renovating its Fifth Avenue flagship.