On Dec. 4, Susan Itzkowitz will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 38th annual FN Achievement Awards. Below is an article from the magazine’s Dec. 2 print issue about the president of Marc Fisher Footwear built a brand powerhouse and forged a path for women.
One special attribute has helped Susan Itzkowitz navigate almost any tough situation: her sense of humor.
“It’s something I’ve always relied on to keep me sane,” she told FN last month. “When you can inject some kind of humor, then you can stop and say, OK, this is not the crisis that’s going to take us down forever. This is a temporary situation.”
And her career path certainly wasn’t an obvious one. Born and raised in Bayside, Queens, N.Y., in what Itzkowitz described as a “very traditional household,” she wasn’t exposed to many examples of career women. While her father was a salesman in the Garment District, her mother stayed home. However, she did impart many important lessons to her daughter: “My mother instilled in me a great sense of integrity, of work ethic and compassion,” said Itzkowitz. “She was the one who taught me about caring for others outside of yourself.”
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As a young woman, Itzkowitz was determined to succeed in her own right, studying communications at Cornell University. There, she said, she learned about herself and the power of collaboration, particularly through her extra-curriculars, including helping at a homeless shelter, a suicide hotline and a student counseling program. “I got to know myself through that,” she said. “I understood I had to take responsibility for my own life and figure out who I was, what I wanted to do and how I was going to get there,” she recalled.
Post-college, Itzkowitz entered the executive training program at JCPenney, which at the time was a heavily male-dominated organization. “I found it to be very challenging in many ways,” Itzkowitz recalled. “But when we’re young, we have to learn and then we move on.”
From there, she went on to positions at The May Co. and Federated Department Stores — and eventually made a fateful move to Nine West in 1986.
Though the gender gap at Nine West was still stark (Itzkowitz was the company’s first female executive hire), she spent nearly 20 years at the footwear company, describing it as an “incredible experience,” working alongside company leaders like Jack Fisher, Vince Camuto and Wayne Weaver. And it was there she met Marc Fisher, who would later become her business partner.
However, being a trailblazer meant there was no roadmap. “It was a time where many people of my generation had a lot of firsts and we had to figure out how to navigate the situation and learn,” she said.
Fueled by frustrations in her own career, Itzkowitz took steps to improve the situation for the next generation, particularly through the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. “She’s been a changemaker throughout her tenure on Two Ten’s board of directors, championing our programs to advance women in the industry,” said Two Ten president and CEO Shawn Osborne.
After Nine West was sold to Jones Apparel Group Inc., Itzkowitz and Fisher started Marc Fisher Footwear in 2005 with a different business model in mind.
“The idea was it was going to be about product, people and passion, and it was not going to be run like a corporation,” she said. “It was going to be run like an interactive company where people were empowered. We were going to be something different; we were going to make a difference.”
The firm launched with the Guess license and has since built an enviable portfolio. Aside from Guess, it produces shoes for PVH Corp.’s Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger labels. Its in-house lines include Marc Fisher LTD, Marc Fisher and Easy Spirit. And it is a go-to partner for Authentic Brands Group’s Rockport, Nine West, Hunter and Frye labels, plus many others.
That success is based on the strong partnership between its leaders. “I am the luckiest guy in the world to have had Susan as my partner in building Marc Fisher Footwear over the past 20 years,” said Fisher. “Susan leads with unwavering integrity, a steady hand and an unmatched ability to inspire, connect and elevate her teams.”
Their licensing partners are equally laudatory.
Fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger said, “Susan Itzkowitz is a true industry legend — a well-respected, seasoned pro whose dedication and expertise have elevated the footwear industry and inspired countless in the business. I’ve had the privilege of working with Susan throughout my career, and her unique blend of vision and integrity is unmatched.”
Added Carlos Alberini, CEO of Guess Inc., “I’ve witnessed firsthand how [Susan’s] insight, drive and commitment continually push boundaries and inspire those around her. She possesses a rare blend of strategic foresight and style that has shaped a culture of excellence and loyalty.”
In looking to the future, Itzkowitz sees no limits for the company. “We have a huge opportunity based on our product ability, our sourcing capability, our logistics ability — all those things that are really hard,” she said.
As for her own achievements, the exec is quick to credit others. “I don’t think my journey would be possible without the support of all the people I work with — my colleagues, my partners. Nobody does anything alone. It’s a group effort,” she said.
And while her list of accomplishments is lengthy — outside of Marc Fisher Footwear, she also sits on the boards of Two Ten, Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, the Shoes for a Cure breast cancer fundraiser and other charitable organizations — she is most proud of her son and daughter, as well as her two grandchildren. “I learned early on to put things in perspective,” said Itzkowitz. “There’s life and there’s work — and it’s great when you can bring it together and you have friends from work — but we all know what’s really important.”
Here, more colleagues and partners discuss the experience of working with Itzkowitz:
Nata Dvir
Chief Merchandising Officer, Macy’s
“Susan Itzkowitz is an incredible partner to Macy’s. She understands how to build strategy and make
an impact. Her transparency, drive to win and collaborative spirit make her an absolute pleasure
to work with.”
Jay Schmidt
President & CEO, Caleres
“[Susan] has set a high standard through her unwavering commitment, business acumen and hard work, building an impressive business alongside Marc. But beyond these accomplishments, it’s Susan’s inspiring optimism — the belief that anything is possible — that truly stands out.”
Nick Woodhouse
President & Chief Brand Officer, Authentic Brands Group
“Susan is a true powerhouse in the industry. Her passion, vision and relentless dedication have driven incredible success at Marc Fisher Footwear. Susan’s ability to build impactful partnerships, transform brands and uphold core values of passion and integrity is nothing short of inspiring.”
Tacey Powers
EVP & GMM of Shoes, Nordstrom
“Susan has always been a true partner to me. We can have transparent conversations, ask for advice from each other and build successful businesses together. I admire her tireless work to give back to the shoe industry.”
Jennifer Jones
SVP & GMM of Women’s Accessories, Bloomingdale’s
“In my nearly 10 years of working with Susan, she’s consistently brought strong ideas, great taste and a genuine interest in her partners. She’s honest, passionate and always fosters a collaborative and successful partnership.”
For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.
