Elrod returns to the luxury retailer after senior leadership roles at Louis Vuitton, while former president Tracy Margolies moves into an advisory role at parent company Exemplar Luxury Group
Bergdorf Goodman has appointed Lanessa Elrod as president, succeeding Tracy Margolies, who will transition to executive adviser at parent company Exemplar Luxury Group (ELG). The leadership changes take effect Monday and come as the luxury department store continues to navigate a shifting retail landscape following the restructuring of its parent company.
Elrod returns to Bergdorf Goodman after serving as president and chief executive officer of Louis Vuitton Americas, where she oversaw the brand’s business across the United States, Canada and Latin America. During her tenure, she was credited with driving business growth, advancing innovation and strengthening customer relationships. She left Louis Vuitton in May 2024 after nearly 14 years with the company.
Her career began within the department store group’s retail network. Elrod worked as a ready-to-wear buyer at Neiman Marcus from 1997 to 2003, followed by a buying role at Saks Fifth Avenue from 2003 to 2005. She then joined Bergdorf Goodman as a senior buyer for handbags and accessories, remaining there until 2010 before moving to Louis Vuitton. Her return brings experience across merchandising, luxury brand management and client development to the retailer’s leadership.
“Bergdorf Goodman is a crown jewel in the industry, known as an important catalyst for identifying and nurturing designer talent and its unmatched ability to anticipate customer preferences and exceed their desires,” said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, chief executive officer of ELG. “As we continue to realize the full potential of our banners, Lanessa’s appointment marks an important step in advancing our strategic priorities and further strengthening Bergdorf’s position as the pinnacle of luxury.”
Elrod said, “Bergdorf Goodman played a defining role in my career, so returning as president is especially meaningful. Its creativity and distinctive point of view have earned it a singular place in the world of luxury. I look forward to working alongside its exceptional team and our brand partners to build on that legacy and shape its next era, deepening personal connections with customers and bringing the store’s spirit of discovery to life in new ways.”
Margolies, who became Bergdorf Goodman’s president in December 2024 after serving as chief merchandising officer at Saks Fifth Avenue, will report to van Raemdonck in her new role. She will draw on more than 30 years of experience at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman to support priorities across ELG’s portfolio, which includes Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Margolies said her time leading Bergdorf Goodman had been one of the greatest honors of her career and that she looked forward to contributing her experience to the wider group.
The appointments follow a period of significant change for the parent company. After Saks Global filed for bankruptcy in January, the business emerged from Chapter 11 proceedings in June under the Exemplar Luxury Group name, with a restructured balance sheet. Bergdorf Goodman also marked its 125th anniversary this fall with designer exclusives and exhibitions across its men’s and women’s stores, reinforcing its position as a flagship destination for luxury fashion. Elrod’s appointment places an executive with experience in both department-store merchandising and global luxury brand leadership at the helm as the group works to strengthen its businesses and customer relationships.