Neiman Marcus Appoints New CEO

RAPAPORT... Neiman Marcus has named Ralph Lauren executive Geoffroy vanRaemdonck as its new CEO, the retailer announced Friday. Van Raemdonck (pictured)was formerly group president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) andglobal travel retail at the luxury brand. He succeeds Karen Katz, who is retiringafter more than 30 years with Neiman Marcus, the last seven as CEO. "We are thrilled to welcome Geoffroy to Neiman Marcus, andlook forward to extending the company's positive momentum under hisleadership," said Neiman Marcus chairman David Kaplan. "He isa global industry leader and business builder with exceptional vision andenergy." Katz will remain on the company's board of directors, andwill work with van Raemdonck during the transition process. "Geoffroy has an impressive track record of success atluxury brands, and he is the right person to lead the company through this nextphase of growth," Katz said.