Hudson's Bay appoints new president

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Sep 12, 2022

Canadian retailer Hudson’s Bay announced on Monday the appointment of Sophia Hwang-Judiesch as president, effective September 19, 2022.

Hwang-Judiesch replaces Wayne Drummond, who will be retiring from the company. 

In this role, she will work closely with The Bay on the overall omni-customer, brand, and platform strategy. She will also help bring to life the Hudson’s Bay stores component of the strategy, including the execution of the company’s in-store digital selling transformation, customer experience and store optimization. 

Most recently, Hwang-Judiesch was vice president of strategic initiatives at Ulta Beauty, where she led the build and launch of Beauty@Target. Previously, she was senior vice-president at Carter's Oshkosh, responsible for the company's largest multi-channel market with accountability for stores, e-commerce and wholesale. 

Before Carter’s Oshkosh, Hwang-Judiesch was with Esprit de Corp as China country manager - retail, wholesale and e-commerce, China brand, overseeing the most important market for Esprit globally.

Hwang-Judiesch said, “I am excited to return home to Toronto, as I already hold a deep connection and affinity for Hudson’s Bay, so I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead Hudson’s Bay stores. This is an incredibly exciting time in the industry, when brick and mortar retail is redefining itself. I look forward to building on the transformation already underway at Hudson’s Bay, to elevate and shape the customer journey and drive growth across the business.”

Last year, The Bay was spun off from Hudson’s Bay as a separate business. The two operate collaboratively to deliver a seamless customer experience. In particular, Hudson’s Bay operates its full-line locations, including a network of 85 Hudson's Bay stores.

“We are making incredible strides in technology and digital innovations, and our store organization is critical to the omni-channel experience of our customers. I am confident that Sophia will lead the team on an exciting and transformational journey that delivers impact for our customers and results for the company,” said Richard Baker, governor and executive chairman, HBC, to whom Hwang-Judiesch will report.

“Wayne Drummond is retiring from Hudson’s Bay. The company is grateful for his leadership and dedication over his esteemed 34-year career with HBC.”