The Men’s Wearhouse is staffing up.
On Tuesday, the Fremont, Calif.-based retailer promoted longtime merchant Scott Norris to brand president for its flagship Men’s Wearhouse division as well as Moores in Canada.
In addition, Paul Fitzpatrick, a former men’s merchant for Macy’s West, has joined the company to oversee its recently added Jos. A. Bank division as president.
Jim Thorne, who had been executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Jos. A. Bank, was named executive vice president of direct sourcing.
All three will report to Mary Beth Blake, who was elevated to president and chief merchandising officer of the corporation earlier this month.
Doug Ewert, Men’s Wearhouse’s chief executive officer, said: “We are excited to strengthen and solidify the executive talent in merchandising and sourcing as we integrate, manage and grow the company. Scott has been an integral part of the Men’s Wearhouse merchandising team since 1996 and has spent his entire career developing initiatives to drive sales and margin results. His track record at the company reflects his skills as a successful merchant.”
Related Galleries
Ewert said Fitzpatrick “has an impressive tenure in men’s merchandising, both in retail and wholesale. Through the years, he has built his reputation in the men’s wear industry for creating dynamic teams and developing leaders.”
Ewert told WWD that he had worked with Fitzpatrick at Macy’s West earlier in his career.
“I did work with Paul at Macy’s West,” he said. “He is a great merchant.”
Regarding Thorne, Ewert said his “extensive knowledge and experience in product development, manufacturing…played a major role in growing Jos. A. Bank to a $1 billion brand.”
Ewert confirmed that Neal Black, the ceo of Jos. A. Bank before the acquisition, has left the company.
Norris joined the company as a buyer in 1996 and was named executive vice president of merchandising for Men’s Wearhouse, Moores and the tuxedo rental business in 2011.
Ewert said all brand presidents also serve as chief merchants, so Norris’ position will not be replaced.
Fitzpatrick was most recently president and chief operating officer of ESP Group Ltd. from 2010 to 2013. Before that, he was executive vice president and general merchandise manager of men’s and children’s for Macy’s West. From 1992 to 2009, Fitzpatrick held various positions at Macy’s West, including evp and gmm of home furnishings, regional store director and San Francisco Union Square store manager. From 1988 to 1991, Fitzpatrick was senior vice president and gmm and svp and director of stores at I. Magnin in San Francisco.
Thorne, who will be primarily responsible for product development, manufacturing and sourcing, joined Jos. A. Bank in 1986. He was named evp and chief merchant in 2009. He began his career with Belk.