NEW YORK, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY) today announced that Mary Ann Curran has been appointed to Chief Executive Officer of its Canadian businesses. Ms. Curran has been with the Company for 6 years, most recently as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Jones Apparel Group Canada Inc. In this expanded role, Ms. Curran will also assume the responsibilities of Richard Shaw, who will be retiring effective January 31, 2004. Ms. Curran will report to Peter Boneparth, Chief Executive Officer of Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

Mr. Boneparth stated, "Mary Ann is a strong leader with a solid financial and operational background. She has been an integral component of our Canadian business and her appointment is a natural progression as we look to grow our Canadian market presence. This is an exciting time for Jones Apparel in Canada given the recent brand additions of Kasper, Anne Klein and Albert Nipon to our portfolio. The Canadian market has tremendous potential for us to pursue with our brand marketing and operational strengths." Mr. Boneparth went on to say, "We also wish Richard well in his retirement and thank him for his contributions to Jones Apparel Group."

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.