High Profile Addition to Macy’s Board of Directors
Robert Chavez, the former president and chief executive officer of Hermès Americas, is set to join Macy’s Inc.’s board of directors on April 1st. Chavez’s 45-year career move to Macy’s comes after a lengthy 24-year run at Hermes, where he was credited for expanding operations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America that included significant strides in the company’s e-commerce domain. Diane Mahady is succeeding him as the new president of Hermès Americas.
Chavez’s journey in retail began with Bloomingdale’s executive development program and subsequently at Macy’s as a divisional merchandising manager. It was followed by an eight-year term as the CEO of Munich-based luxury brand, Etienne Aigner Group. His versatile experience spanned manufacturing, wholesale, and global retail.
Tony Spring, Macy’s Inc.’s chairman, and CEO is confident about Chavez’s potential. He said, “Bob will bring significant additional retail industry and leadership experience to our board as we further our efforts to capture market share across our three nameplates. We look forward to benefitting from Bob’s insights as we continue to execute our Bold New Chapter initiatives and work toward delivering sustainable, profitable growth and enhanced shareholder value.”
Macy’s Bold New Chapter strategy aims to close approximately 150 underperforming locations by 2026, while refocusing investments on enhancing their services and merchandise displays across 350 “go-forward” locations. In addition to expanding its small-format stores, Macy’s is also broadening its Bluemercury beauty and skincare chain and amplifying its luxury offerings.
In his statement on joining Macy’s board, Chavez expressed his excitement. He remarked, “I am honored to join the Macy’s Inc. board and serve as a director at the company where I started my career and in the industry which I am most passionate about. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow directors to capture the growth opportunities across the Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury businesses for the benefit of all Macy’s Inc.’s stakeholders.”
Chavez is filling the board position left vacant by Sara Levinson, who will retire in accordance with the board’s mandatory retirement age. Levinson, who was part of the board’s compensation and management development committee and nominating and corporate governance committee since 2004, will not seek re-election at the Macy’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders.
Paul Varga, Macy’s Inc.’s lead independent director, expressed gratitude towards Levinson’s contributions. He also commented positively on Chavez’s inclusion, stating that Chavez’s decades of luxury retail and leadership experience “will complement the skills and expertise of our other valued directors.”
Outside his corporate roles, Chavez continues to contribute to the retail industry as the executive in residence at The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he mentors students, reviews portfolios, and assists in the development of a professionally relevant curriculum.