Fashion Industry Veteran Kristen Sosa Joins Caleres to Lead New York Brands
Caleres Inc. has appointed industry veteran Kristen Sosa to a newly created position within its leadership team. With her extensive experience in fashion and retail, Sosa is set to oversee the operations and strategic direction of Caleres' New York-based brands.
As division president of the brand portfolio, New York brands, Sosa will report directly to Caleres' president and CEO, Jay Schmidt. Her responsibilities will include managing the performance and growth of a diverse range of brands, including Stuart Weitzman, Allen Edmonds, Franco Sarto, Vince, Veronica Beard, and Favorite Daughter.
Schmidt praised Sosa's proven track record as a merchant leader, highlighting her expertise in fashion across various channels, particularly in the contemporary and luxury sectors. He noted that Sosa's strategic mindset and operational expertise will be instrumental in driving Caleres' future growth.
Sosa's most recent role was as CEO of North America at Zadig & Voltaire, where she successfully led growth initiatives across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Prior to that, she served as the president of the Americas at Marc Jacobs, overseeing regional retail and wholesale strategies. Sosa also played a key role in scaling the luxury e-commerce startup Olivela as its chief merchant.
Her career began at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she progressed through various senior leadership positions within both the Saks Fifth Avenue and Off 5th divisions. Sosa's extensive experience in fashion retail and her ability to drive business growth make her a valuable addition to Caleres' leadership team.
Caleres' recent strategic moves include the appointment of Brian Costello as division president for Famous Footwear and the acquisition of the Stuart Weitzman brand from Tapestry Inc. for $108.7 million. As Caleres navigates the footwear industry, Sosa's expertise and leadership will be crucial in ensuring the long-term success and profitability of its New York-based brands.
