Burton M. Tansky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Neiman Marcus Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, The Neiman Marcus Group (collectively “the Neiman Marcus Group”), announced today that he would retire effective October 6, 2010. The Neiman Marcus Group has announced that effective with his retirement, Tansky will assume the role of non-executive Chairman of the Board.<br /><br />Mr. Tansky, 72, has held his current position since 2001. Prior to that he served as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Neiman Marcus Stores. Mr. Tansky joined the company in 1989 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bergdorf Goodman.<br /><br />“We greatly admire Burt Tansky and the significant accomplishments he has achieved throughout his successful career,” said Kewsong Lee, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus. “Burt propelled Neiman Marcus to the top of the industry, and we look forward to continuing to work with him as the Chairman of our Board.” Jim Coulter, founding partner of TPG Capital, said, “Burt Tansky has been an extraordinary leader for Neiman Marcus and an icon in the retail industry. We truly thank him for all he has done for Neimans and wish him all the best.”<br /><br />The following executive changes were also announced and will be effective October 6, 2010:Karen W. Katz, President, Chief Executive Officer of Neiman Marcus Stores and Executive Vice President of the Neiman Marcus Group, will succeed Mr. Tansky as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Neiman Marcus Group. Ms. Katz joined the company in 1985. Prior to her current position, Ms. Katz served as President of Neiman Marcus Direct, Executive Vice President of Neiman Marcus Stores, and Senior Vice President, Director of Stores.<br /><br />James E. Skinner, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Neiman Marcus Group, has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Neiman Marcus Group. Mr. Skinner has held his current position since 2008. He joined the company in 2001 as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.<br /><br />James J. Gold, President and CEO of Bergdorf Goodman, has been named President of Specialty Retail, a new position. He will be responsible for merchandising and store operations for the 41 Neiman Marcus full-line stores and for Bergdorf Goodman. Mr. Gold joined the company in 1991. Prior to his current position, he served as a Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Neiman Marcus Stores and Vice President of the Last Call Clearance Store Division.<br /><br />Messrs Skinner and Gold and Gerald A. Barnes, President of Neiman Marcus Direct, will report to Ms. Katz.<br /><br />“I am very proud to leave the company positioned as the leader in the luxury retail industry and of the many accomplishments we have achieved over the past 20 years,” said Burt Tansky. “I am confident that I am leaving The Neiman Marcus Group in capable hands as Karen and her team lead our great company through the years ahead. I am looking forward to working with Karen to ensure a smooth transition.”<br /><br />Jim Coulter commented that “Neiman Marcus has one of the strongest management teams in retailing today, and these promotions recognize the talent at the company. We expect a smooth transition and look forward to continued growth under Karen’s leadership.” Commenting on the executive appointments, Kewsong Lee said: “We are excited to continue partnering with Karen and her team as they build on the Company’s strong performance and pursue future opportunities.”<br /><br />The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. operations include the Specialty Retail Stores segment and the Direct Marketing segment. The Specialty Retail Stores segment consists primarily of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores. The Direct Marketing segment conducts both print catalog and online operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Horchow brand names.