Caleres Taps Janet Carr & Nelli Kim For Key Roles

The company behind popular shoe brands, including Sam Edelman, Via Spiga, Diane von Furstenberg and Vince, has added two senior-level executives to its team.

Caleres said Wednesday that it has tapped Janet Carr, most recently president of the handbag division and EVP of strategy at Nine West Group, for the role of SVP of global business development. In this new post, she will be responsible for identifying opportunities for global business expansion for several key brands, the company said.

“We have a powerful portfolio of brands that dominate in the U.S.,” Carr said in a statement Wednesday.”The opportunity for Caleres to take advantage of those brands and grow them internationally is exciting.”

Carr has also held executive roles at Coach and Gap Inc.

Former Bergdorf Goodman executive Nelli Kim has also joined Caleres to serve as SVP and GM for Via Spiga, Vince and Diane von Furstenberg. Kim most recently served as DMM for footwear and handbags and Anthropologie.

“I’m fortunate to have responsibility for incredible, established brands like Vince, DVF and Via Spiga,” Kim said in a release. “Working alongside the great brand teams at Caleres, my focus will be on continuing to maximize the opportunities within the brands, each with its own unique point of view.  Our goal is to create product that resonates with the customer and is just as importantly also a pleasure to wear.”

Caleres chairman, president and CEO Diane Sullivan said she hopes the new additions would boost the company’s efforts in key areas.

“These incredible women come to us with a wealth of experience that will elevate what we are doing in the international and contemporary fashion arenas,” said Sullivan. “I’m thrilled to have them join our leadership team.”