Bergdorf Goodman taps former Louis Vuitton Americas CEO Lanessa Elrod as president

Bergdorf Goodman has appointed Lanessa Elrod president, effective November 2, bringing the former Louis Vuitton Americas chief back to the retailer where she spent part of her early career.

Elrod will join the management team at Exemplar Luxury Group, the parent company of Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her appointment comes as Bergdorf Goodman celebrates its 125th anniversary and the group pursues a broader transformation.

Most recently, Elrod served as president and chief executive officer of Louis Vuitton Americas, overseeing the French luxury house’s operations across the United States, Canada and Latin America. According to ELG, she led substantial business growth while championing innovation and strengthening relationships with employees and customers.

Her earlier career included merchandising positions at all three of ELG’s retail banners, giving her experience across the department store businesses she now rejoins.

“Bergdorf Goodman played a defining role in my career, so returning as President is especially meaningful,” Elrod said in a statement. She added that she plans to deepen customer relationships and bring the store’s “spirit of discovery to life in new ways.”

ELG chief executive Geoffroy van Raemdonck described the appointment as an important step in advancing the group’s strategic priorities and strengthening Bergdorf Goodman’s luxury positioning. He highlighted the retailer’s role in identifying and nurturing designer talent.

Alongside the appointment, Tracy Margolies will transition to executive advisor at Exemplar Luxury Group, reporting to van Raemdonck. The company said she will draw on her institutional knowledge and leadership experience to support its ongoing transformation.

For Elrod, the remit centers on developing Bergdorf Goodman’s customer experience while preserving its distinctive merchandising perspective. Founded in 1901, the New York institution is emphasizing curation, personal service and discovery as it seeks to connect its established identity with a new generation of luxury shoppers through its next chapter.