Yesterday we reported that Macy’s would not be working with JWT on any upcoming projects, possibly as a result of the ongoing Gustavo Martinez discrimination suit (although the client declined to comment on the reasoning behind its decision).
Now it appears there are further shakeups with the company’s advertising as Macy’s chief marketing officer Martine Reardon is leaving the company, effective May 13. A search for her successor is currently underway.
Reardon has served as Macy’s chief marketing officer for the past five years, leading efforts in all departments including advertising, social, mobile, digital, brand PR, media planning, data analysis and cause marketing for the company’s 730 stores in the U.S. A 32-year veteran of Macy’s and Federated Department Stores, Inc., Reardon worked her way up to her current position after beginning her career in the special events department at Abraham and Straus.
Her statement:
“I am extremely proud of the work that I have led in building Macy’s into an international omnichannel brand. We have established a clear and compelling brand promise rooted in fashion, entertainment, pop culture, value and newness, and opened potential new avenues for growth. I will miss my Macy’s family terribly, but I am looking forward to taking time for me now. The marketing organization at Macy’s is incredibly deep and talented, and I am excited for my colleagues to carry on the work we began together.”
“It is with deep sadness that we accept Martine’s resignation from Macy’s,” said Macy’s chairman and CEO Terry Lundgren. “Martine is a very special executive who has come to personify the spirit, energy and integrity of Macy’s.”
It’s unclear what this news means for Macy’s future marketing plans. We already knew that the chain no longer names an agency of record and doesn’t plan to work with JWT on future projects.