Hartwell-Hale Promoted at Directives West

Longtime Directives West executive Shelda Hartwell-Hale has been promoted to vice president of the West Coast merchandising consulting division of The Doneger Group.

Hartwell-Hale has been with The Doneger Group since the New York–based retail consultancy merged with Los Angeles–based Directives West in 2008. Prior to the merger, Hartwell-Hale was with Directives West for 18 years.

“We are thrilled to have Shelda leading the day-to-day operation of our West Coast division,” said Abbey Doneger, president of The Doneger Group. “Shelda has been immersed in West Coast market trends throughout her career and has extensive experience analyzing L.A. retail and street style. She is well-qualified to steward our West Coast growth strategy to provide outstanding retail and merchandising direction on what defines and drives fashion and merchandising in the L.A. marketplace.”

In her new position, Hartwell-Hale will work closely with Directives West President Sandy Richman.

Carrie Harris will assume Hartwell-Hale’s prior merchandising responsibilities as merchandise manager for juniors separates and dresses, working closely with Halle Redman, Directives West merchandising manager for juniors-related separates and denim.

In addition, Directives West also expanded the duties of three longtime executives: Paula Loevner, merchandise manager of better and moderate women’s sportswear; Kellie Kefalas, market analyst for women’s contemporary business; and Tonya Grayned-Kinsey, market analyst for women’s accessories, intimate apparel and footwear.—Alison A. Nieder