Dive Brief:

• Bloomingdale’s chairman Mike Grould will retire Jan. 31 after 23 years in the position.

• Gould, 70, is seen as an innovative executive who transformed the retailer’s store space and motivated employees.

• Tony Spring, Bloomingdale’s president and chief operating officer, will succeed Gould and says multi-channel retailing will be a focus.

Dive Insight:

Mike Gould leaves behind a legacy of embracing innovative ideas for store space and employee empowerment that will likely serve successor Tony Spring well as he tackles today's e-commerce challenges. Gould formatted in-store meetings and discussions largely on the philosophy of Nelson Mandela. Richard Stengel's "Mandela's Way" was used as a guide for the company's associates as self-development and personal growth became a point of focus under Gould's watch. That the store has maintained such broad appeal is a testament to his vision and strategy.