Robert E Kerson
rkerson@KersonPartners.com

   Robert E. Kerson is the Founder and Chairman of the leading fashion and retailing specialty executive search and human capital advisory services firm, Kerson Partners. A veteran of over 30 years in the retail and fashion industries, Mr. Kerson focuses exclusively on senior level executive searches in the fashion, retail and retail- related industries, having successfully completed over 200 CEO and Presidential level searches including the CEO searches for Burberry, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Zales Jewelers, Neiman Marcus. He also provides organizational analysis, planning and design that increase shareholder value by maximizing human capital.

   Mr. Kerson has been involved in a wide range of client assignments including comprehensive senior level searches in all segments of the retail industry and retail -dependent industries including manufacturing companies; buying offices; direct mailers and mall developers. In addition he has earned a worldwide industry reputation in organizational analysis and construction for turnaround situations and emerging growth companies. His well-regarded training, developing and succession planning counsel is sought throughout the world. He also advises venture capitalists, investment bankers and Fortune 500 companies on retail financial performance -- all solidifying his reputation as the leading executive search professional in the retail and retail related industries.

    Prior to founding Kerson Partners, Mr. Kerson was President of Korn/ Ferry International's Retail/Fashion Practice which included his former firm, Levy-Kerson, which was acquired from Mr. Kerson in 1999.

  As business leader of Levy- Kerson's executive search practice from 1982 to its sale in 1999, Mr. Kerson successfully grew the firm to become the preeminent executive search firm focused on retail industry executive search at all levels.

  Prior to his stellar 22 years in retail executive search, Mr. Kerson began his professional career in retailing in a variety of progressively more responsible operations and senior management positions with Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Bonwit Teller.

  Mr. Kerson is a Member of the Advisory Board of retail industry leaders to the Jay H. Baker Retailing Initiative of the Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, which was established in 2003 to create the premier academic retailing center in the United States.

"I have known Bob Kerson for more than 12 years as a client and a friend. He recruited me to Burberry in 1997 and since then he has been an advisor to me on many issues, particularly the enhancement of an organization's value through team building and motivational strategies." Rose Marie Bravo, Chief Executive, Burberry