Exemplar Luxury Group Welcomes Gretchen Koback Pursel as Chief People Officer to Lead People Strategy

Exemplar Luxury Group Enhances Leadership with New Chief People Officer

In a strategic move to bolster its people-centric culture, Exemplar Luxury Group (ELG) has appointed Gretchen Koback Pursel as its new Chief People Officer, effective September 28, 2026. This change comes at a critical time for the company, which is known for its prestigious portfolio including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Gretchen Koback Pursel is not a stranger to the luxury sector. With a robust background in human resources, she has previously held significant leadership positions at top-tier organizations such as Tiffany & Co. and Equinox. Her extensive experience spans across luxury retail, beauty, and wellness, making her a strong asset for ELG as it continues to evolve in a competitive market.

CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, emphasizing that "our colleagues are the heartbeat of ELG." He highlighted that by empowering employees to reach their potential, ELG can in turn unlock its own full potential. With a proven track record in transforming workplace cultures and enhancing talent strategies, Koback Pursel is anticipated to lead the company on its path towards sustainable growth and excellence.

As Chief People Officer, Koback Pursel's goals will focus on creating an engaging workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being and inclusivity. "I am thrilled to join Exemplar Luxury Group at such a vital time and look forward to crafting a people strategy that fosters a sense of belonging," she stated. This approach aims to cultivate a high-performing culture that stimulates both individual empowerment and collective success.

She takes over from Sarah Garber, who has decided to depart after 15 years of meaningful leadership, during which she played a key role in steering the company through various transformations, including mergers and financial restructuring. Garber's leadership was instrumental in laying the groundwork for ELG’s people strategies and culture, which Koback Pursel will now build upon.

Exemplar Luxury Group represents a unique assembly of renowned luxury brands, committed to delivering remarkable customer experiences by uniting unrivaled product offerings with outstanding service. The company prides itself on its capabilities to build deep customer relationships, underpinned by data-driven insights. As they pave the way for the future of luxury retail, Koback Pursel's arrival marks a significant development for ELG and its distinguished luxury brands.

With the retail environment becoming ever more complex, the leadership of Exemplar Luxury Group acknowledges the growing necessity for strategic human resource management that not only retains talent but also attracts top performers in the industry. With its new Chief People Officer, ELG is ready to take on future challenges head-on by innovating its people strategies while enhancing the employee experience.

For more information on the developments at Exemplar Luxury Group and insights into their unique offerings, visit their website and follow them on LinkedIn.