MACY’S NAMES PATTI ONGMAN CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER

Macy’s has announced that Patti Ongman has been named chief merchandising officer of the Macy’s brand, effective March 1, 2019. Ongman succeeds Jeff Kantor in this role, who previously announced his decision to retire. She currently serves as Macy’s executive vice president and general business manager for home merchandise.

In her new role, Ongman will be responsible for leading Macy’s merchandising, with oversight of merchandising, private brands and planning for the company’s five “families-of-business” (ready-to-wear, center core, beauty, men’s and kid’s, and home).

Ongman has been with Macy’s, Inc. for more than 30 years. In her most recent role as EVP, general business manager for home, Ongman was responsible for all aspects of the Macy’s Home business, including merchandising, private brands and planning.

Prior to that, Ongman served as Macy’s chief planning officer, responsible for centralized merchandise and financial planning and assortment allocations by store, as well as the district/region merchandise planning structure and function that supported the signature My Macy’s localization strategy. Ongman began her career in store management. She is known for her deep understanding of brands, both private and national, and how to express these brands within Macy’s.

“Patti is a world-class merchant with a stellar reputation in the market. As a 33-year veteran at Macy’s, she’s a trusted leader to our colleagues and a valued partner to our vendors,” said Hal Lawton, Macy’s president. “I am confident that Patti is the right person with the right experience to continue transforming our merchandising organization to move faster and be more flexible.”

“I’m excited to lead the Macy’s Merchandising organization along with my team of first-class merchants,” said Ongman. “We will build on the great work the team has done, and we will continue to get better every day. I know this will be a smooth transition with Jeff’s support.”