NEW YORK, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine West Group, a division of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY - News), today announced that Richard Paterno, 50, has been appointed President, Wholesale Better Footwear Brands, effective March 31, 2008. In this newly created role, Mr. Paterno will oversee sales management and business strategy for Nine West's better wholesale footwear business, including Nine West, Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Circa Joan & David, AK Anne Klein, Boutique 9 and Easy Spirit. Mr. Paterno will report to Andrew Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, Wholesale Footwear and Accessories.

Mr. Paterno has more than 30 years of industry experience. He most recently served as President and CEO of Rockport, which experienced significant growth under his leadership. Previously, he served as President of Easy Spirit, which Nine West Group acquired in 1995.

Andrew Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, Wholesale Footwear and Accessories, said, "Rick is an experienced and talented merchant, and I am pleased to welcome him back to Nine West Group. I am confident that our highly qualified team will benefit from his leadership and expertise. Our better brands enjoy strong department store penetration, and by unifying those brands under the guidance of an industry veteran we will ensure ongoing brand and product differentiation, as well as further enhance our relationships with our wholesale partners."

In addition, Nine West Group welcomes back Patrick McLaughlin, who has been appointed President, Nine West and Boutique 9 Wholesale, effective March 3, 2008. Mr. McLaughlin, along with the other wholesale better footwear division heads, will report to Mr. Paterno.

About Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jny.com) is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through its chain of specialty retail and value- based stores. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack and Le Suit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation and footwear under the Dockers Women brand licensed from Levi Strauss & Co. Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Evan-Picone, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt and l.e.i., with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 30 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value and in operational execution.

Source: Nine West Group