Liberty boss Ed Burstell quits to join Hudson's Bay Company

Burstell, who spent eight years with Liberty of London, joins the Saks Fifth Avenue owner in the newly created role of head of partnerships.

He will be responsible for driving “innovative and exclusive offerings” across Hudson’s Bay Company’s fascias around the world, the company said.

Burstell officially takes up the position on December 5 and will report to Hudson’s Bay Company chief executive Jerry Storch.

Liberty has not yet named his replacement.

During his tenure as managing director at the iconic London department store, Burstell has established a number of partnerships, including opening pop-up shops with Hermes and Manolo Blahnik.

He was also instrumental in launching collaborations with Nike and Uniqlo.

Burstell said: “I am thrilled to join Hudson’s Bay Company, especially during this time of global expansion, growth in North America, and industry-leading developments across platforms.

“I am looking forward to building a partnership platform that delivers exceptional innovation to customers across HBC’s banners, which will contribute to the evolution of one of the most exciting retailers in the world.”

Hudson’s Bay Company is the oldest company in North America, having been founded in 1670.

Its portfolio now includes 10 fascias, spanning 470 stores and 66,000 employees around the world.

As well as New York’s famous Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay Company owns Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor, Gilt and Home Outfitters in the US and Canada.

The group’s portfolio also includes Germany’s largest department store, Galeria Kaufhof, and Belgium’s only department store chain, Galeria Inno.