Macy’s Selects new CEO of Bloomingdale’s

Macy’s has selected Olivier Bron as its upcoming CEO. Bron is taking over the position from Tony Spring, who will now serve as the CEO of Macy’s parent company. Macy’s announced on Tuesday that Olivier Bron, an international retail executive, will be the new CEO of their upscale department store, Bloomingdale’s, succeeding Tony Spring. Tony Spring, a 36-year veteran at Bloomingdale’s, was named CEO-elect of Macy’s parent company in March, and he will replace the long-serving leader, Jeff Gennette, who is set to retire in February.

Olivier Bron is scheduled to assume his new role in early November. This appointment brings fresh perspectives and a global touch to the luxury department store. Bron, aged 46, previously served as the CEO of Central and Robinson department stores in Thailand and held positions such as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Strategy for Galeries Lafayette, a prominent French retail group based in Paris. Prior to that, he spent over a decade at Bain & Company as a retail consultant.

Macy’s decision to bring in an executive from a different company and country suggests possible global ambitions for Bloomingdale’s. Although Bloomingdale’s has a limited international presence, with locations in Dubai and Kuwait, its flagship store in midtown Manhattan attracts tourists from around the world, as it is adorned with flags representing various nations.

In a news release, Tony Spring described Olivier Bron as “an authentic and charismatic leader” who understands Bloomingdale’s brand and is prepared to lead the company into the future. Spring also stated that Bron’s extensive international retail experience and deep knowledge of the luxury market will be invaluable as they explore additional growth opportunities.

Olivier Bron expressed his admiration for Bloomingdale’s brand in the news release and outlined his plans to build on its legacy through new store formats and continued digital expansion. This marks the first time since 1991 that Macy’s has appointed an external executive as Bloomingdale’s CEO. Tony Spring took over as CEO of the chain in 2014, succeeding Michael Gould, who joined the company in 1991 after serving as CEO of the fragrance brand Giorgio Beverly Hills.

In addition to operating 34 stores across the United States, Bloomingdale’s has experimented with smaller store formats called Bloomie’s, with two locations currently open and plans to open another in Seattle, a new market for Bloomingdale’s and a rival to Nordstrom. Bloomingdale’s also operates 20 outlet stores across the country.

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