>> Effective Sept. 1, Mark Lee will take the helm of Barneys as chief executive officer, a position that hasn't been filled since 2008, when Howard Socol (who held the position for seven years) resigned after apparent disagreements with Barneys parent company Istithmar over plans to open stores outside the United States.
Lee had been in negotiations for the job previously (when he stepped down as president and CEO of Gucci Group in 2008, speculation was ignited that he was Barneys-bound), and talks resumed several weeks ago, according to a person familiar with the matter. His appointment follows well-recorded struggles for the retailer: rumors surfaced of a bankruptcy filing or sale after Barneys recorded a loss last year.
Barneys Finally Appoints New CEO — Former Gucci Group Exec Mark Lee
>> Effective Sept. 1, Mark Lee will take the helm of Barneys as chief executive officer, a position that hasn't been filled since 2008, when Howard Socol (who held the position for seven years) resigned after apparent disagreements with Barneys parent company Istithmar over plans to open stores outside the United States.Lee had been in negotiations for the job previously (when he stepped down as president and CEO of Gucci Group in 2008, speculation was ignited that he was Barneys-bound), and talks resumed several weeks ago, according to a person familiar with the matter.
