Majors

Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

MajorsNov 04, 2026

Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Lanessa Elrod
Lanessa Elrod is the new president of Bergdorf Goodman.
New York—Luxury retail executive Lanessa Elrod has been named president of Bergdorf Goodman.

In her new role, Elrod joins the Exemplar Luxury Management Team at Exemplar Luxury Group (ELG), the collective formerly known as Saks Global comprising Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.

ELG announced her appointment last week.

Elrod succeeds Tracy Margolies, who will transition to executive adviser at ELG.

Elrod has previously worked at ELG banners, holding merchandising roles at all of the aforementioned retailers.

She brings leadership experience in luxury retail, merchandising, and business strategy, ELG said.

Most recently, Elrod served as president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, where she oversaw the brand’s business across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. 

In this role, she led a period of “substantial business growth,” championing innovation and building relationships with both teams and customers.

"Bergdorf Goodman is a crown jewel in the industry, known as an important catalyst for identifying and nurturing designer talent and its unmatched ability to anticipate customer preferences and exceed their desires," said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Exemplar Luxury Group. 

"As we continue to realize the full potential of our banners, Lanessa's appointment marks an important step in advancing our strategic priorities and further strengthening Bergdorf's position as the pinnacle of luxury."

 Related stories will be right here … 

The group said Elrod's proven track record of delivering results and building high-performing teams, along with her CEO experience, will be “instrumental” in shaping Bergdorf Goodman's future.

She will use her customer-first philosophy and deep industry relationships to elevate the client experience and build on the retailer’s “exceptional service and assortment,” ELG added.

"I am thrilled to be joining Exemplar Luxury Group at this pivotal time. Bergdorf Goodman played a defining role in my career, so returning as president is especially meaningful," said Elrod. 

"Its creativity and distinctive point of view have earned it a singular place in the world of luxury. I look forward to working alongside its exceptional team and our brand partners to build on that legacy and shape its next era, deepening personal connections with customers and bringing the store's spirit of discovery to life in new ways."

Bergdorf Goodman is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

In its next chapter, the retailer said it seeks to preserve its distinctive qualities while continuing to evolve with intention, finding new ways to “bring these defining characteristics to life for future generations of luxury customers.”

The Latest

NYC Jewelry Week Biolgems Jewelry Exhibition
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition Yet

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant 2027 Graphic
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 Applications

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Edina Kiss Eye Pendants on Charm Necklace
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Ann Cahoon
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann Cahoon

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Holiday Campaign with Amanda Seyfried
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday Campaign

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

Graphic of cauldron and cat with jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on You

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

Jaythan Gilder and Stolen Tiffany & Co. Earrings
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings Convicted

Jaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gas station
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices Ease

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.

Stuller Magic of the Moment Holiday Campaign
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ Shine

The holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.

De Beers Desert Diamonds Icons Campaign Designer Showcase
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ Campaign

The “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.

Mervis Diamond Importers store
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond Importers

Solomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.

Woman holding testing swab
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New Jewels

The fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.

Sarin Bachmann and Julie Walsh
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ Honorees

The annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

Ali Ahn in Bliss Lau Vantage Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian Horizon

In her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.

Behind the scenes shot of Tiffany & Co.’s Design and Innovation Workshop
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the Scenes

The jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy