Caleres Inc. Appoints Kristen Sosa as Division President
Caleres Inc. proudly announces the addition of Kristen Sosa to its leadership team in a newly established role. This strategic move is set to enhance the company’s brand portfolio within the New York market.
Kristen Sosa: A Veteran in Fashion and Retail
With over 30 years of experience in the fashion and retail industries, Kristen Sosa has been appointed as the division president of the brand portfolio for New York brands. She will report directly to Caleres president and CEO, Jay Schmidt, in her new position.
Responsibilities and Oversight
Sosa will be responsible for the operations and management of an extensive portfolio that includes prestigious names such as Stuart Weitzman, Allen Edmonds, Franco Sarto, Vince, Veronica Beard, and Favorite Daughter. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the company’s dynamic offerings.
Strategic Focus for Growth
“Kristen is a proven merchant leader with deep expertise in contemporary and luxury fashion,” said Schmidt. He emphasized Sosa’s impressive record in launching and revitalizing businesses, stating that she will provide the strategic focus and operational discipline necessary for Caleres’ next phase of growth.
Previous Experience and Achievements
Prior to joining Caleres, Sosa served as the CEO of North America at Zadig & Voltaire, where she successfully drove growth in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Her experience also includes serving as the president of the Americas at Marc Jacobs, where she oversaw both retail and wholesale strategies. Additionally, she played a vital role as chief merchant at Olivela, contributing to the luxury e-commerce startup’s expansion. Sosa began her career at Saks Fifth Avenue, quickly ascending to senior leadership roles across both Saks Fifth Avenue and Off 5th divisions.
Enthusiasm for the Future
In her own words, Sosa expressed her excitement: “I am eager to lead these powerful brands at such a pivotal moment for Caleres. With Caleres being a leader in fashion footwear, I see immense potential for growth. I look forward to collaborating closely with the talented team to leverage my experience for meaningful impact.”
Recent Developments at Caleres
In addition to Sosa’s appointment, Caleres also recently named Brian Costello as division president for Famous Footwear, who will similarly report to Schmidt. Furthermore, the company completed the acquisition of Stuart Weitzman from Tapestry Inc. for $108.7 million in August, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion.
Looking Ahead: Transitioning Stuart Weitzman Business
As Caleres posted its third-quarter results in December for the period ending November 1, it outlined its plans for the remainder of the fiscal year. The company aims to transition the Stuart Weitzman business to its systems while addressing aged and excess inventory, all while refining strategies for the brand’s long-term growth and profitability.
