GUESS SAID TO BE CLOSE TO HIRING ANDREA WEISS
NEW YORK — Guess Inc. is reportedly close to signing Andrea Weiss, senior vice president and director of stores at Ann Taylor, to head up its retail operation.
Ann Taylor has had a string of executive departures over the past year, and sources said Weiss’s departure would bring another blow.
However, Sally Frame Kasaks, chairwoman of Ann Taylor, stated Friday, “She is not leaving. She is on the team.” Kasaks said the rumor has been around for about three weeks.
Weiss could not be reached for comment.
Maurice Marciano, chief executive officer of Guess, declined to comment on the report.
Joseph Gromek, senior vice president and general merchandise manager, resigned from Ann Taylor in April to become chief executive officer of Brooks Bros. At least five vice presidents have left since then.
Although Ann Taylor is currently seeking a chief operating officer, Kasaks said the company has filled just about all key positions and that two executives were promoted last week to senior vice presidents and general merchandise managers. They are Gayle Wyroba, for the Ann Taylor Stores division, and Katherine Law Krill, for the Ann Taylor Loft division. “We’re strongly committed to internal promotions,” Kasaks said.
Maurice Marciano on Friday said Guess retailing was on track with its plans for modest growth. “We do expand our retail stores, but we don’t have an aggressive retail plan,” Marciano said.
During an August 1994 interview, Paul Marciano, president of Guess, said Guess could ultimately operate 100 domestic stores without cannibalizing its department store accounts. Guess currently operates 68 stores and 42 outlets in the U.S.