Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Announces Management Changes and Realignment in its Women's Sportswear Divisions

NEW YORK, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jones Apparel Group, Inc. today announced several promotions and organizational changes within its Women's Sportswear Divisions, all of which are effective immediately.

Susan Metzger, 53, has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company's Women's Better Sportswear Division. Ms. Metzger (Susan) has been with Jones for 11 years and most recently served as President of Sales and Marketing for Better Sportswear. In her new role, Susan will report to Wesley Card, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Susan A. Rieland, 48, has been promoted to the position of Chief Merchandising Officer for all Women's Sportswear Brands, reporting to Ms. Metzger. Ms. Rieland (Susie) previously held the position of Chief Merchandising Officer Bridge and Lifestyle Sportswear brands. Susie has been with Jones Apparel Group for almost 13 years and has successfully held numerous important merchandise and design positions.

Wesley R. Card, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated "Susan and Susie make an outstanding team and I am confident that our Women's Sportswear Division, including our Jones New York, Anne Klein and Nine West brands, will continue to thrive under their leadership."

Gregg I. Marks, 54, will continue in his current position as Chief Executive Officer, Jones Suit and Dress Divisions and will now report to Mr. Card. Mr. Marks has been with Jones for 4 years, since the acquisition of Kasper Suits. He was with Kasper for 20 years, serving as President of Kasper/Anne Klein.

Ms. Metzger, Ms. Rieland and Mr. Marks previously reported to Lynne Cote, former Chief Executive Officer of Wholesale Sportswear, Suits and Dresses who has left the Company as of July 19, 2007.

Ronald Harrison, 59, has rejoined Jones Apparel Group as Executive Vice President, Corporate Quality and Production, reporting to Wesley Card. Mr. Harrison is a Jones veteran with 23 years of service to the Company in the Production and Quality areas. He returns to Jones following a brief retirement and will be responsible for overseeing excellence and consistency in the quality and fit of the Company's apparel products.

Douglas Means, 41, has been promoted to the position of Executive Vice President, Production for the Better Sportswear Divisions, reporting to Mr. Card. Mr. Means has been with Jones for 15 years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President Corporate Supply Chain and Logistics. Mr. Means has a very broad background and has held numerous positions within Jones in Engineering, Distribution, Product Development and Merchandise Planning, as well as Supply Chain and Logistics.

Mr. Card added, "We have a great bench strength at Jones and these organizational changes and promotions solidify and enhance the team that will be responsible for the continued growth and profitability of our Better Apparel Segment. At Jones, we remain committed to product excellence and will continue to execute against our strategy for the benefit of our shareholders and customers."

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (http://www.jny.com/), a Fortune 500 company, is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through our chain of specialty retail and value-based stores, and operates the Barneys New York chain of luxury stores. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, Norton McNaughton, Erika, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Albert Nipon, Le Suit and Barneys New York. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation and footwear under the Dockers Women brand licensed from Levi Strauss & Co. Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Evan-Picone, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt and l.e.i., with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 30 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.