Hudson’s Bay Co. has appointed Dr. Wolfgang Link as CEO of HBC Europe, effective May 1.
Link will lead the division’s expansion and growth strategy for the European business including Galeria Kaufhof and Galeria Inno operations as well as the entrance of Hudson’s Bay and Saks Off 5th. He will report to HBC CEO, Jerry Storch.
Prior to joining HBC, Link spent a decade with Toys ‘R’ Us, where he served as a member of the global executive board and president of Toys ‘R’ Us Europe since 2013.
The company noted that Don Watros, president of HBC international, will remain head of the Galeria Kaufhof supervisory board and will continue pursuing international opportunities in addition to supporting the company’s North American integration and cost saving initiatives. Olivier Van den Bossche will leave HBC Europe at the end of April to pursue other opportunities.
“We are pleased to welcome Wolfgang to the HBC family during this new phase of development for our European business, as we prepare to launch two new banners in the region,” Storch said. “Wolfgang is an accomplished leader with a proven track record in the retail sector in Germany and throughout Europe. His experience in both digital and traditional channels and profound knowledge of the European market were key in selecting him for this role and will help foster the expansion and success of HBC Europe, including our significant investment in Germany.”
