Macy’s Names Maya Dukes SVP and Executive Creative Director

Maya Dukes is returning to Macy’s, stepping into the role of senior vice president and executive creative director.

Dukes previously worked at Macy’s as a senior graphic designer from 2001 to 2007. In her new role, she will lead the retailer’s creative strategy and brand expression across customer touchpoints, reporting to Sharon Otterman, Macy’s chief marketing officer.

Dukes will work closely with marketing, merchandising and digital leadership to bring the Macy’s brand to life throughout the customer journey. Her focus will include strengthening and reimagining the Macy’s nameplate as the company continues its “Bold New Chapter” strategy.

Introduced in February 2024, the three-year strategy includes closing 150 underperforming Macy’s stores, investing in remaining locations, expanding the company’s luxury business, modernizing operations and growing its Bloomies and Bluemercury concepts.

During her first stint at Macy’s, Dukes developed experience across creative storytelling, catalog design and brand marketing. Since then, she has built more than two decades of experience leading creative organizations and developing customer experiences for major companies including Delta Air Lines, Jack Henry & Associates, Comcast NBCUniversal, Tuesday Morning and The Home Depot.

“She brings the creative vision, customer-centric thinking and proven ability to build and lead high-performing creative organizations required to shape the next chapter of the Macy’s brand,” Otterman said. “Her experience translating brand strategy into compelling storytelling, elevating the customer experience and modernizing the creative process will be critical as we strengthen Macy’s for the future.”

Most recently, Dukes served as managing director of global brand, creative and agency operations at Delta Air Lines. During her tenure, she led enterprise-wide brand strategy, helped build the airline’s award-winning in-house creative organization and oversaw major brand initiatives and partnerships involving the Olympics, Team USA, SXSW and CES.

Dukes succeeds Jason Holzman, who served as Macy’s senior vice president of creative and production for two years.

Her appointment marks the second major executive change at Macy’s Inc. this month. On August 3, the company announced Alexandre Choueiri as the new chief executive officer of Bluemercury.

Dukes’ return to Macy’s comes at a pivotal moment for the retailer as it continues reshaping its brand, customer experience and store portfolio under its Bold New Chapter strategy.