NBA Star James Harden Joins Board of Saks Online Business

Saks, newly minted as a standalone e-commerce business that’s separate from the Saks Fifth Avenue department stores, is adding NBA star James Harden to its board.

Harden, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets and has led the league in scoring three times, is also making a minority investment in Saks. His business portfolio spans several consumer categories, including products with BodyArmor drinks, Stance socks and Pura fragrances. He also has a sneaker and apparel line with Adidas.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with James talking about fashion,” said Saks Executive Chairman Richard Baker in an interview. “It’s good to have board members and ownership that are focused and motivated to grow the business.”

Saks Fifth Avenue, owned by Canadian department-store operator Hudson’s Bay Co., moved to spin off the e-commerce arm of its business into a separate entity earlier this year. Private equity firm Insight…

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