Chief Merchandising Officer @ From November 2014 to Present (1 year 2 months) Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager @ Managed the Women's Footwear business, $1.2B volume responsibility (50% of DSW Inc. revenue) generating comp sales growth and profit each year. A member of the Senior Leadership Team that drove five consecutive years of double digit EPS growth, and took DSW to the #1 marketshare position in adult branded footwear in the United States. Collaborated on omni-channel strategy development with external consultants, participated in the Annual budget process inclusive of total company P&L decisions to determine corporate strategic direction. Reinvigorated private brand; growing sales and increasing penetration. Articulated the positioning and product aesthetic of multiple proprietary brands based on customer psychographics. Developed a rigorous trend and styleout process to optimize inventory productivity - increasing key items and exclusive product - to maximize assortment planning and increase gross margin. Leveraged key industry relationships to secure numerous high profile brands for DSW Inc. (Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, DVF, Rebecca Minkoff). Led the integration of the e-commerce/marketing process to create a dynamic multi-channel customer experience - social media to email to in-store marketing. Architected the merchant organizational structure to build the resources necessary to drive results. Promoted extensively from within as well as recruited best in class external talent. From November 2008 to January 2014 (5 years 3 months) Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager @ Merchandise areas of responsibility included Footwear, Handbags, Fine and Fashion Jewelry, Fine and Fashion Watches, Accessories, Intimate Apparel. Managed over $1B in volume, increasing y/y sales and margin rates consistently ranking amongst the best in the corporation. Built private brand volume significantly, working cross-functionally with Macy's Merchandising Group on brand positioning and product aesthetic. Reputation as a key merchant leader in the industry with iron-clad vendor relationships. Utilized this skillset to secure new brands, garner exclusive product assortment, and leverage financial results. Worked with luxury brands: TAG Heuer, Baume&Mercier, Gucci, Burberry. Drove Coach volume to the highest corporate penetration, achieving double digit y/y comps at the height of the brand's growth trajectory. Seamlessly led the transition during multiple mergers and acquisitions (Bullocks,The Broadway, Liberty House, May Company) and the consolidation of Macy's divisions. Served on the Executive Committee with C-level executives, and on the Community Affairs Board. Nominated to participate in the inaugural program of the Federated Accelerated Leadership Institute with select executives from around the country. From 2002 to 2008 (6 years) Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager @ Led team of executives in Women's Branded and Private Brand Apparel: Contemporary, Denim, Knitwear, INC International Concepts, Better, Bridge and Designer Sportswear, Denim, Active and Knitwear. Oversaw the monumental growth of INC in partnership with buying team and Macy's Merchandising Group. Instrumental in building domestic and private brand businesses in the above categories, driving strong top and bottom line results. Successfully coached teams through several mergers and acquisitions. From 1994 to 2002 (8 years) Merchandiser/Buyer - INC/International Concepts @ Launched INC corporately in partnership with Macys corporate product development team in NYC. Conceptualized brand position and design concept, approved materials and fit samples. Extensive travel to Europe (product inspiration) and Asia (fabric and factory sourcing, price negotiations). Determined assortment plans, spearheaded launch marketing campaign, product packaging and in-store shop concepts. From 1992 to 1994 (2 years) Buyer @ Bridge Sportswear - DKNY, Ellen Tracy, Elie Tahari, Calvin Klein From 1989 to 1992 (3 years) Assistant Buyer @ Knitwear - developed branded and Henri Bendel branded product From 1987 to 1989 (2 years) Marketing Representative @ Analyzed fashion collections to fit client needs, directed US buyers in the marketplace From 1986 to 1986 (less than a year) Market Researcher @ Created a London retail and wholesale trend report sent to NYC corporate headquarters and distributed nationally. Introduced US buyers to new resources and facilitated market meetings. From 1986 to 1986 (less than a year) London, United Kingdom

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Administration and Management, General @ Simmons College Ruth Hartman is skilled in: Trend Analysis, Merchandising, Retail, Assortment, Leadership, Footwear, Private Label, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, Trend, Sourcing, Sportswear, E-commerce, Fashion, Apparel