Macy's appoints Patti Ongman as new CMO

By

Robin Driver

Published
Feb 13, 2019

Ohio-based department store chain Macy’s announced on Tuesday that it has appointed company veteran Patti Ongman as chief merchandising officer, a role in which she succeeds Jeff Kantor, who announced his intention to retire at the end of last year.
 

In her new position, Ongman will lead Macy’s merchandising department, overseeing merchandising, private brands and planning for the retailer’s Ready-to-Wear, Center Core, Beauty, Men’s and Kid’s, and Home businesses.
 
The executive has been with Macy’s for over three decades and currently serves as EVP and general business manager for the company’s Home business, a role in which she was responsible for leading all aspects of this division.

Prior to this, Ongman served as chief planning officer, holding responsibility for centralized merchandise, financial planning and assortment allocations by store, while also supporting the localization strategy of My Macy’s through the development of the company’s region merchandise planning structure.
 
The University of Alabama graduate began her career at Macy’s in store management.

“Patti is a world-class merchant with a stellar reputation in the market. As a 33-year veteran at Macy’s, she’s a trusted leader to our colleagues and a valued partner to our vendors,” said Macy’s president Hal Lawton in a release. “I am confident that Patti is the right person with the right experience to continue transforming our merchandising organization to move faster and be more flexible.”
 
"I'm excited to lead the Macy’s Merchandising organization along with my team of first-class merchants. We will build on the great work the team has done, and we will continue to get better every day," added Ongman. "I know this will be a smooth transition with Jeff’s support."

Ongman’s appointment is effective March 1, 2019.