Apr 9, 2011

7 W NEW YORK® Announces Retirement Of Marketing VP, Su Hilty

(New York, NY ) 7 W New York announces that as of June 2011, Su Hilty will retire from her position as VP of Marketing at 7 W 34th Street. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Hilty has long been admired and is well-known for her tireless dedication to tenants and buyers and for her creative approach to marketing. Starting at Bloomingdale’s, she gained proficiency in product launches, divisional and program startups and eventually moved on to Gucci to set up their wholesale operation in the U.S. After 9 years in sales & marketing at Liz Claiborne Accessories, the home and gift industry beckoned and Hilty joined 225 Fifth Avenue as VP of Marketing. When the building was sold in 2004, Hilty was recruited by MMPI to bring her expertise to 7 W New York where she has worked closely with the MMPI team for more than 6 years to establish 7 W as the destination marketplace for the gift, home, tabletop and textiles industries.

According to Joan Ulrich, Senior Vice President, MMPI, “We reluctantly accept Su’s resignation knowing 7 W and MMPI will not be the same without her efforts and dedication. We were lucky to have Su lead the marketing charge when we launched 7 W and she has continued to support our customers and team with best in class marketing. While we will miss her personally and professionally, Hilty’s decision to start this new chapter in her life will allow her to pursue her passion for travel, as well as expand her involvement with charity organizations and other volunteer associations. She is truly a valued resource and we intend to continue to tap into her talents whenever possible.”

Chris Collins, Vice President and General Manager, 7 W New York, agrees. “Su Hilty is a rare individual that I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know over the years. Her passion, work ethic and infectious enthusiasm have been a tremendous asset to 7 West and to all of us that have worked with her during the launch and development of our great NY market building. Although we will all miss her and everything that she brings to our business and to all of us as individuals, we could not be happier for her as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. I am very proud of Su, her accomplishments and the lasting positive effects that she has had on everyone that she has associated with over her long and successful career in this industry.”

“After a varied and rewarding career and finally achieving MMPI’s highest honor, the coveted Marty Award last year, I felt the timing was right for the next step”, says Hilty. “This is never an easy decision, but while I may be resigning from 7 W, my love for and connection with the home & gift industry will continue along with the visits I plan to make with friends & family and the many places still to see and experience. “

As a start, Su will continue to be involved with the IFDA (International Furnishings & Design Association) where she is past president for the NY Chapter. She is also committed to the Home Products Advisory board of FIT, The Fashion Group International (FGI), Gift for Life (GFL), the alumnae chapter of Alpha Chi Omega (her sorority), as well as the Global Give Back Circle (GGBC). An active member of the social media community, she will be able to connect with her work friends and colleagues through LinkedIn and Facebook.

Jessica Kreider will assume many of Su’s responsibilities and will work closely with Nancy Michael, MMPI’s new Senior Marketing and Strategy Director for the gift and home décor industry.

A farewell reception is being planned with details to follow.

7 W NEW YORK® is a wholesale mart building, catering to the buyers of Home Décor, Table Top, Giftware, Textiles, Decorative Accessories, Fine Arts and related industries. Located at 7W 34th Street, its daily hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm with extended hours during special market weeks. 7 W New York is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI).

MMPI is the world’s leading owner and operator of showroom buildings and trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together in more than 300 market events, trade and consumer shows and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; the Architects & Designers Building, 7 W New York, and Piers 92/94 in New York City; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; the Washington Design Center in Washington DC; and Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center in Cleveland.

VORNADO REALTY TRUST, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.