Saks Fifth Avenue Poaches Mark Briggs From Harrods For CMO Role

(NEW YORK) Saks Fifth Avenue is adding a new member to their exec team. Mark Briggs has been appointed as the store’s chief marketing officer. In this expanded position, the Harrods veteran will assume the responsibilities formerly held by Denise Incandela and Terron Schaefer, Saks’ previous CMO and chief creative officer, respectively. He will also be in charge of visual merchandising for all stores.

When Briggs takes on his new role in March, he will report to Saks’ new president, Marigay McKee. This will be a reunion of sorts for McKee and Briggs, who worked together at Harrods. Back in London, Briggs spent 20 years as the director of store image at Harrods, where he was responsible for maintaining marketing, communications, and visual displays, while McKee was the former chief merchant. During his time at Harrods, Briggs was known for his over-the-top productions and in-store décor. For the holiday windows this year, he recreated the interior of a train, replete with fine baubles, intricate gowns, luxurious travel bags, and a dining cart stocked with macarons.

Last month, Saks Fifth Avenue was acquired by Hudson Bay Co. to the tune of $2.9 billion. The ownership shift resulted in a handful of executive departures. Former president Ron Frasch was replaced by McKee, ex-chairman and CEO Stephen I. Sadove was replaced by Richard Baker, while a replacement for executive vice president and president of Saks Off 5th, Robert Wallstrom, has yet to be named.