HBC Names Scott Ross Chief Technology Officer
TORONTO & NEW YORK (June 24, 2021) - HBC has appointed Scott Ross as its Chief Technology Officer. A highly-regarded, results-oriented executive, Mr. Ross brings over 20 years in retail technology, with extensive leadership experience overseeing teams across the United States, Canada and India. In this role, he will lead the digital and information technology strategies for HBC, including its wholly owned portfolio companies: HBC Properties and Investments and Hudson’s Bay, as well as SFA and O5, the entities that operate the physical locations for Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH, respectively.
Richard Baker, HBC’s Governor, Executive Chairman and CEO said, “With Scott’s leadership, deep expertise and knowledge of our business, he will be instrumental in leading our technology strategy. Since joining HBC, he has played a pivotal role in our portfolio companies’ digital transformation and I am confident that he is the right person to lead this important function and team into the future.”
Most recently, Mr. Ross served as Senior Vice President, Omnichannel at HBC, a role he has held since joining the company in January 2019. In this position, he led the transformation of HBC’s technology strategy, resulting in the successful website and mobile application migration for Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay and Saks OFF 5TH, as well as three global contact centers. These efforts enabled double-digit growth for all digital channels while increasing profitability. Additionally, Mr. Ross oversaw all aspects of application development for Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay and Saks OFF 5TH.
Prior to joining HBC, Mr. Ross served as Senior Vice President, Omnichannel Technology at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., among several roles of increasing leadership during his seven year tenure at the company. Previously, Mr. Ross also held technology roles at L.L. Bean. He currently serves on the Digital Transformation Committee for the City of Toronto. Prior to his technology career, Mr. Ross served in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.
On his appointment, Mr. Ross added, “Delivering an exceptional experience for our customers and associates is more important than ever in today’s technology-driven world. I look forward to leading our highly-skilled team as we continue to innovate and enhance our digital and technological capabilities.”
Mr. Ross succeeds Stephen Gold who is retiring from HBC on August 1, 2021 as planned. Mr. Gold will remain with HBC and work directly with Mr. Ross to ensure a smooth transition.
Mr. Baker added, “I want to thank Steve for his incredible leadership, dedication and contributions to HBC over the past three years, including helping to fuel strong online growth for our retail portfolio companies while leading through significant change. We wish him the best in his next chapter.”
About HBC
HBC is a holding company of investments and businesses at the intersection of technology, retail operations and real estate.
It is the majority owner of iconic ecommerce companies: Saks, a leading online destination for luxury fashion, and Saks OFF 5TH, a premier luxury off-price ecommerce company offering top brands at the best prices. Both businesses were established as separate operating companies in 2021.
HBC also wholly owns Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s preeminent multi-category retailer, as well as SFA, the entity that operates Saks Fifth Avenue’s physical locations, and O5, the operating company for Saks OFF 5TH stores.
With assets spanning top markets and prime locations across North America, HBC owns or controls—either entirely or with joint venture partners—approximately 40 million square feet of gross leasable area. HBC Properties and Investments, the company’s real estate and investments portfolio business, manages these assets along with additional real estate offerings, including Streetworks Development, its property development division.
Founded in 1670, HBC is North America’s longest continually operating company and is headquartered in New York and Toronto. For more information visit: www.hbc.com.
Media Contact:
Nicole Schoenberg
press@hbc.com