NEW YORK, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY) today announced that Lynne Cote' has been appointed to Group CEO - Women's Moderate Sportswear and will continue to report to Peter Boneparth, Chief Executive Officer of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Ms. Cote' has direct responsibility for Norton McNaughton, Evan-Picone, Joneswear, Gloria Vanderbilt Career and the Bandolino sportswear brands along with the newly- acquired A-Line brand.

Mr. Boneparth stated, "Lynne has extensive experience in the design, merchandising, marketing and the production of women's moderate apparel. Her strong leadership skills have been instrumental in growing existing brands and also identifying and launching new brands. Her commitment to the success of these brands has been integral to the overall performance of Jones Apparel Group and the execution of our business strategy."

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jny.com), a Fortune 500 Company, is a leading designer and marketer of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Polo Jeans Company licensed from Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Evan-Picone, Norton McNaughton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Erika, l.e.i., Energie, Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, Napier, Judith Jack, Kasper, Anne Klein, Albert Nipon and LeSuit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Tommy Hilfiger brand licensed from Tommy Hilfiger Corporation and the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation, and footwear and accessories under the ESPRIT brand licensed from Esprit Europe, B.V. Celebrating more than 30 years of service, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

Certain statements herein are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including the strength of the economy and the overall level of consumer spending, the performance of the Company's products within the prevailing retail environment, and other factors which are set forth in the Company's 2002 Form 10-K and in all filings with the SEC made by the Company subsequent to the filing of the Form 10-K. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Jones Apparel Group, Inc.