What: Macy’s has decided to eliminate the role of COO in the company

Why is it important: the executive changes will make the company more efficient.

The current holder, John Harper, will depart this summer and will not be replaced. The Chief Stores Officer and the Chief Supply Chain Officer will now report directly to chairman and CEO Jeff Genette.

Another senior appointment will be made effective mid-March: Laura Miller will succeed the present incumbent as CIO. She comes from the hospitality world and will also report directly to the chairman and CEO. The other function reporting to Genette is the CFO who oversees the real estate function.

According to the company, these changes in reporting structure will enable Macy’s to be nimbler and more efficient as they move forward and drive top- and bottom-line growth.

The co-founder of Blue Mercury, founded 20 years ago and acquired by Macy’s in 2015 for $ 210 m, is also leaving Macy’s. Macy’s has started the search for a new CEO to oversee the 166 beauty stores, who will report directly to Tony Spring, CEO of Bloomingdale’s.

Macy’s Sets Senior-level Changes; Eliminates COO