May Dept. Stores sees management shift

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/11/2002 12:00:00 AM

ST. LOUIS —

The May Department Stores Company announced the retirement of two senior executives and the promotion of three others last week.

Judith Hofer, ceo of May Merchandising Company and May Department Stores International (MMC/MDSI) and a member of May's senior management committee, will retire July 31 after 31 years with May.

The company also announced the retirement of James Hageman, chairman of MMC/MDSI, after a 33-year retail career that includes 24 years with May. He will retire Sept. 30.

As a result of these changes, May has promoted three executives. Jay Levitt, currently president of MMC/MDSI, assumes the position of ceo effective Aug.1, succeeding Hofer. He joined May in 1987.

John Danahy, currently chairman of Famous-Barr, has been named vice chairman of MMC/MDSI, effective March 11. Having first joined May in 1968 at the former G. Fox department store division, he will succeed Hageman as chairman on Oct. 1.

Duane Nicks, currently senior vp of operations for Hecht's, was named chairman of Famous-Barr, effective March 11, succeeding Danahy. He joined May's corporate office in 1983.

"Duane is an accomplished executive with 18 years of May experience at five divisions and the corporate office. He and Ira Pickell, who continues as president and ceo of Famous-Barr, will partner to make an excellent team leading our St. Louis-based division," said Richard Bennet III, May's vice chairman with responsibility for Famous-Barr.

About the retirees, Kahn said, "Judi and Jim collectively are a powerful team at MMC/MDSI and individually have helped May immeasurably during their careers. Both professionally and personally, I will truly miss working with these two outstanding retail executives."