NBA All-Star James Harden joins Saks board

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jun 15, 2021

Luxury e-commerce company Saks announced on Monday the appointment of NBA All-Star, entrepreneur and investor, James Harden, as an independent member of its board. 

Harden joins the board as a minority investor and will bring his expertise in helping high-potential consumer brands grow, as well as his unique perspective as a notable fashion enthusiast.

“As we work to build this new board, James is an important and valuable addition. With experience in growing businesses and as someone who values self-expression through fashion, I am confident that he will bring a distinct point of view that will help us better deliver for our customers,” said Saks’ executive chairman, Richard Baker. 

“His expertise, combined with that of our other board members, will enable Saks to further capitalize on the significant growth opportunity within luxury ecommerce.”

The American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets, has a proven track record as a successful investor and entrepreneur. His portfolio has a focus on consumer, sports and entertainment businesses including minority ownership of Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Houston Dash, as well as stakes in various brands, including Therabody, BodyArmor, Art of Sport, Stance and Pura, where he serves as creative director. Harden is also the founder of Thirteen, a Houston-based fine dining restaurant.

“I am honored to join the Saks board and to be a part of a company that is paving the future of luxury retail,” added Harden. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to combine two of my personal passions – a love of fashion and teaming up with brands that have the potential to lead while making an impact on the communities they serve. I look forward to working with the Saks team, and to having a direct impact on the company’s future success, the fashion community and its customers.”

His appointment marks the latest milestone in Saks’ strategy to become the preeminent luxury e-commerce platform.

Formerly operating as the online business of HBC-owned luxury department store retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks.com LLC launched earlier this year as a separate entity with a focus on luxury e-commerce. Most recently, in May, it closed a deal securing the business $465 million in new financing.