DALLAS–Dallas Market Center has promoted Cherie Marcum, its vice president of finance, to executive vice president of finance at Dallas Market Center. Marcum is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial processes, audits and budgeting system.

“Cherie has been instrumental in streamlining accounting functions and the budget process throughout the past six years,” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. “We value her contributions and dedication and are thrilled to have her lead our finance team.”

MATTHEWS, N.C.-Charles Gibson, executive vice president of supply chain for Family Dollar, has left the retailer to pursue other interests, effective today.

A successor has not been announced. According to a Family Dollar spokesman, those executives who had been reporting to Gibson will report to Michael Bloom, president and chief operating officer, until a successor is named.

PLANO, Texas-J.C. Penney has promoted Brynn Evanson to executive vice president of human resources.

Evanson has assumed responsibility over all of the retailer’s human-resource functions across the stores, the supply chain and the home office, including team member relations, recruiting, learning and development, compensation and benefits, and talent operations. She has joined J.C. Penney’s executive board and reports directly to Myron Ullman III, CEO.

Evanson has succeeded Daniel Walker, who left as chief talent officer last week.

GREEN BAY, Wis.-Michael Cooper has joined Shopko as senior vice president of marketing.

In his new role, Cooper is responsible for leading the retailer’s branding strategy and marketing initiatives. He reports to Jill Soltau, president and chief merchandising officer, and has succeeded Nancy Altman, who has left the company.

Before taking his new post, Cooper was with Office Depot in a number of executive positions, most recently as vice president of marketing. Prior to joining Office Depot, Cooper was with Accenture as a retail practice consultant.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores has elected James F. Gooch, former president and CEO of Radio Shack, to its board of directors.

Gooch will also serve as chair of the board’s audit committee. William R. Harker, chairman of the Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores board, cited Gooch’s “extensive experience, knowledge and understanding of retail and consumer-product businesses.”

MINNEAPOLIS-Richard Schulze, founder of Best Buy, has returned to the retailer as chairman emeritus.

Schulze’s role is to provide support to the management team, which is still led by Hubert Joly, president and CEO, for its Renew Blue effort to transform Best Buy. Announced last November, Renew Blue is a sweeping effort to reinvigorate Best Buy’s business through enhancing its online and in-store experiences and reducing expenses.

In addition to Joly, Hatim Tyabji, remains chairman of the board.

IRVING, Texas-Chuck Rubin, president and CEO of personal-care specialty retailer Ulta Beauty, will leave his post on Feb. 21 to become CEO of Michaels Stores.

Rubin will assume his new role “after a brief period of transition,” according to a Michaels statement. When he does, Michaels will discontinue the Office of Chief Executive Officer, which it established last May on an interim basis after its then-CEO, John Menzer, suffered a stroke and went on a medical leave of absence.

MOORESVILLE, N.C.-Sylvain Prud’homme has been named president of Lowe’s Canada, and will assume his new post on March 25.

Prud’homme will succeed Alan D. Huggins, who will return to the United States as the home-improvement retailer’s vice president of international operations. He will report to William D. Robinson, head of international operations and development.

DALLAS-Terry Burman, former CEO of Signet Jewelers, has been appointed as an independent member of the Tuesday Morning board of directors.

A 16-year veteran with Signet, Burman led the company, the parent of retailers Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, until retiring in 2011. During his tenure, Kay Jewelers grew to encompass more than 900 stores with annual sales of $1.5 billion. Jared increased from three stores to more than 175, and annual sales of $750 million.

CINCINNATI–Thomas Cole is retiring as Macy’s chief administrative officer, the company announced, triggering a number of changes in the retailer’s executive ranks.

Peter Sachse, Macy’s chief stores officer, will assume additional responsibility for store planning, design and construction. All Macy’s stores, as well as the region, district and central stores organization and visual merchandising, continue to report to Sachse, who reports to Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO.

GREEN BAY, Wis.-Jill Soltau, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Shopko, has been promoted to president.

Soltau retains her title as chief merchandising officer, and continues to oversee the retailer’s merchandising and product development while assuming charge over marketing, e-commerce, inventory management and the supply chain. She reports to Mike Bettiga, interim CEO and chief operating officer, and succeeds W. Paul Jones, who left Shopko in October to become CEO of Payless Holdings.

CINCINNATI-Terry Lundgren, Macy’s chairman, president and CEO, has been appointed to the board of directors of Procter & Gamble.

Lundgren has succeeded former broadcast and cable executive Johnathan Rodgers, who is retiring. He will serve on the P&G Governance & Public Responsibility and Innovation and Technology committees.

NEW YORK-ESL Investments, majority shareholder of Sears Holdings, has named G. “Mike” Mikan president.

Mikan, who officially took his post yesterday, reports directly to Edward S. Lampert, ESL’s chairman and CEO, and chairman of Sears Holdings. He served as interim CEO of Best Buy from April-September 2012, and was a member of the Best Buy board of directors since 2008. He resigned from the retailer’s board on Dec. 26.

NEW YORK-Gilt has named Michelle Peluso its CEO, effective at the end of this coming February.

Currently, Peluso serves as global consumer chief marketing and Internet officer for Citigroup. She has also served on Gilt’s board of directors since October 2009.

As part of this move, Kevin Ryan, Gilt’s founder and current CEO, will become chairman. Susan Lyne, current chairman, will become vice chairman.

MINNEAPOLIS-Retired Williams-Sonoma executive Sharon McCollam has been appointed chief administrative and chief financial officer of Best Buy, effective Dec. 10.

MATTHEWS, N.C.-Family Dollar has appointed Jocelyn Wong senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

Reporting to President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Bloom, Wong oversees the dollar-store retailer’s marketing efforts. She is responsible for communications to customers that reinforce the Family Dollar brand and improve customer loyalty through circulars and the in-store experience. She has succeeded Don Hamblen, who was senior vice president of customer marketing and who left the company to pursue other opportunities.

MINNEAPOLIS-Jim Muehlbauer, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Best Buy, will exit his post at the end of the current fiscal year, in February 2013.

Muehlbauer joined Best Buy in 2002. In 2006 he became senior vice president and chief financial officer of Best Buy U.S., and in the following year was promoted to interim enterprise chief financial officer. He was named to his current post in 2008.

Best Buy has begun a search for his successor. Muehlbauer’s future plans were not announced in the statement regarding his departure.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.–Dillard’s has named Chris Johnson vice president of real estate. Johnson, who has served as the Dillard’s vice president of accounting since 2006, will assume the role following the retirement of James W. “Wes” Cherry, Jr. in December.

NEW YORK-Ralph Lauren Corp. has appointed Christopher Peterson senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Peterson will assume his new post on Sept. 24. He will be responsible for the company’s global finance and information technology organizations, and will report to Roger Farah, president and chief operating officer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio-Big Lots has promoted John Martin to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer as part of a series of organizational changes among the retailer’s top executives.

The move puts Martin in charge of merchandising, global sourcing and marketing. He will report to Steve Fishman, Big Lots’ chairman, president and CEO. Douglas Wurl, who had served as executive vice president of merchandising, has resigned. Before taking his new post, Martin had been executive vice president of administration.

GREEN BAY, Wis.-Shopko has named Craig Gourley senior vice president and general merchandise manager for home and hardlines.

Gourley has thus assumed charge over all aspects of merchandising for the home division, including developing strategies, negotiation vendor partnerships and managing the buying team. He reports to Jill Soltau, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

SAN FRANCISCO-Williams-Sonoma has named Julie Whalen executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Whalen had been serving as acting chief financial officer since March, when Sharon McCollam, the previous chief financial officer, retired. She has been with Williams-Sonoma since 2001, when she joined as part of the retailer’s financial planning organization.

She was promoted to vice president and corporate controller in 2003, and then to senior vice president in 2006. In 2011, she became the company’s treasurer as well.

NEW YORK-Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) has extended the employment agreement of Martha Stewart until June 30, 2017, and has named Lisa Gersh CEO.

WASHINGTON-The National Retail Federation has appointed Tom Litchford vice president of retail technologies.

Litchford will assume his new post on July 2. He will manage NRF’s Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) and the CIO Council, along with developing and enhancing strategic programs, activities and relationships with retail and technology communities domestically and internationally. He will report to Vicki Cantrell, senior vice president of NRF’s Communities and executive director of Shop.org.

DALLAS-J.C. Penney has made a number of executive moves to put in place a new operations team.

The retailer has named Bob Peterson, a former Piper Jaffray executive, to the newly created post of senior vice president of operational strategy. In this role, Peterson is responsible for identifying and evaluating key business opportunities and strategic alliances. He reports to Mike Kramer, chief operating officer, and Ken Hannah, chief financial officer.

NEW YORK-Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has named Ann Casey Bukawyn to the newly created position of executive vice president of global licensing, part of the company’s effort to increase its retail presence beyond North America.

NEW YORK-Brad Hutensky, president and principal of Hutensky Capital Partners, has been elected chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers for the 2012-2013 term.

SAN FRANCISCO-Williams-Sonoma began its fiscal year with a 2.8 percent decline in net income, which totaled $30.7 million.

Increased expenses were the prime reason for the slip. Gross margin in the quarter, which ended on April 29, fell 60 basis points to 37.8 percent. Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 6.5 percent in dollars and 10 basis points as a percentage of sales, to 31.8 percent.

MATTHEWS, N.C.-Dorlisa K. Flur, vice chair of strategy and chief administrative officer of Family Dollar, will leave the company to pursue other interests on May 2.

Flur joined the retailer in 2004 as senior vice president of strategy and business development. In 2008, she was promoted to executive vice president of strategy and marketing, and in 2009 she became executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. She was promoted to her current roles last September.

MINNEAPOLIS-Brian Dunn has resigned as CEO of Best Buy, and the retailer has named George L. Mikan, one of its directors, as interim CEO.

A Best Buy statement said Dunn’s resignation came from a mutual agreement between him and the board of directors. “There were no disagreements between Mr. Dunn and the company on any matter relating to operations, financial controls, policies and procedures,” the statement said. Best Buy has also begun a search for a permanent CEO, and Dunn also resigned as a member of the board.

MATTHEWS, N.C.-Family Dollar has appointed Mary Winston executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Winston thus assumes responsibility for the retailer’s financial operations, including accounting, treasury, tax, financial planning, investor relations and internal audit. She reports directly to Howard Levine, chairman and CEO.

Winston is succeeding Kenneth T. Smith, who is serving in a transition role as senior vice president of finance until October, when he is expected to leave the company.

CINCINNATI–Paul C. Varga, chairman and CEO of wine and spirit producer Brown-Forman Corporation, has been elected to the Macy’s, Inc. board of directors.

Terry J. Lundgren, Macy’s, Inc. chairman, president and CEO called Varga a “dynamic business leader and strategic thinker with an impressive track record in building and marketing global brands.”

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-David Lukes has joined Sears Holdings as president of real estate development.

PLANO, Texas-Liz Sweney has been promoted to chief merchandising officer for J.C. Penney, with the charge to lead the reinvention of the retailer’s apparel and home portfolio.

All merchandise divisions--women’s, men’s, children’s, footwear, jewelry, accessories, handbags and home--now report to Sweney. Previously, she had served as executive vice president and senior general merchandise manager of women’s apparel, accessories, footwear, jewelry and juniors, as well as Sephora. She joined the company in 2000.

NEW YORK-Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has promoted Gael Towey and Kerry Tucker to newly created positions in the company.

Towey, previously chief creative and editorial director, has been named chief integration and creative director. She is responsible for ensuring that all of the digital manifestations of MSLO’s brands “are imbued with the highest quality, across all platforms and in all contexts,” according to an MSLO statement.

YORK, Pa-The Bon-Ton Stores has appointed former Lord & Taylor chief Brendan L. Hoffman president and CEO, effective Feb.7.

Hoffman, who will also be elected to the board of directors, succeeds president and CEO Bud Bergren, who is a current member of the board and will become chairman. Upon Bergren’s transition to chairman, Tim Grumbacher, currently serving as executive chairman, will remain a director.

NEW YORK–Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of Belk Inc., and Laura Sen, president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, have been elected to serve on the board of directors of the National Retail Federation.

WEST CHESTER, Pa.–QVC has appointed former Walmart executive Linda Dillman as chief information officer.

In her new post, Dillman provides strategic oversight and direction for the design, development and implementation of technology solutions, oversees the day-to-day management of the U.S. and corporate information-technology operations, and helps set the direction of QVC’s information-technology organizations around the world. She reports directly to Mike George, president and CEO.

MINNEAPOLIS–Target has promoted Casey Carl to the newly created positions of president of multichannel and senior vice president of merchandising.

PLANO, Texas–A slew of one-time charges brought a $143 million net loss to J.C. Penney in its fiscal third quarter.

The charges comprised items including the disposition of the retailer’s outlet business, a voluntary early retirement program, process improvements in the company’s supply chain and home office, and costs incurred in the transition of its management. Without these charges, J.C. Penney would have had net income of $24 million for the quarter, which ended on Oct. 29.

MINNEAPOLIS–Doug Scovanner, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will retire on March 31, 2012.

Scovanner began his career with the mass merchant in 1994 as senior vice president of finance of what was then known as Dayton Hudson Corp. (renamed Target Inc. in 2000). He became chief financial officer later in that year, and was named executive vice president and chief financial officer in 1999.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.—Walmart has appointed Sylvia Mathews Burwell president of the Walmart Foundation.

Burwell will take her post in January 2012, succeeding Margaret McKenna, who retired as of last Friday. She will assume charge over Walmart’s charitable giving efforts and its Global Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, as well as guiding  the company’s social, environmental and economic-opportunity efforts in Africa. She will report to Leslie Dach, executive vice president of corporate affairs.

NEW YORK–Gilt Groupe’s Gilt Home division has appointed Alex Ogof divisional merchandising manager, overseeing the execution of the merchandise strategy, leading the home buying team and expanding the home business.

MATTHEWS, N.C.-Edward P. Garden, chief investment officer and a founding partner of Trian Partners, has been chosen as a director on the Family Dollar board of directors.

Garden is also a member of the board of The Wendy’s Co., and has served on the board of Triarc Cos., at which he was also vice chairman. He was also a managing director at Credit Suisse First Boston.

NEW YORK-Product development and marketing company StoreBound has appointed two industry veterans to its executive management team: Adam Cotumaccio as COO and Shaun Mackenzie as senior vice president/national sales manager.

Cotumaccio was most recently Global COO for Kinetic Worldwide, one of the world’s largest out-of-home media agencies. Cotumaccio’s career includes buying and planning positions for May Company and Macy’s, as well as founding The Leverage Group.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holdings has named Raj Penkar senior vice president and president of supply chain.

In his new role, Penkar is in charge of all aspects of the company’s supply-chain activities, including logistics, warehousing, inventory management and distribution. He reports directly to Lou D’Ambrosio, president and CEO, and succeeds Jim Mixon, who retired at the end of April.

ATLANTA–Jack Ryan returns to AmericasMart as acting chief financial officer.

Ryan will direct all AMC financial operations and will help to represent AMC’s interests across the financial community at large. He rejoins AMC following his 2001 retirement from its presidency, which he held from 1994. A financial industry veteran, he has more than 22 years with the AMC-affiliated Portman Companies.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.–Kathleen Guion, division president of store operations and store development for Dollar General, will retire from the company effective July 31, 2012.

ATLANTA–After more than three decades leading the AmericasMart Atlanta area rug franchise and its predecessors, Chas Sydney has retired as senior vice president of AMC, AmericasMart Atlanta’s parent entity. This coincides with the conclusion of the most recent Atlanta International Area Rug Market and Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.

Kevin Malkiewicz, AMC’s newest vice president, assumes all area rug center leasing and management responsibilities with Sydney’s departure.

NEW YORK–Interior designer and former editor-at-large of Domino magazine Tom Delavan was announced as Gilt Home’s new editorial director last night at a dinner Gilt Home hosted for press and interior designers. Gilt Home, as previously announced, will relaunch its site this fall, to include full-priced and one-of-a-kind items as well as editorial content and its flash sale component.
 

CHICAGO-Mark Falanga has been promoted to president of MMPI, succeeding Christopher Kennedy, who will step down July 23 from the post he has held for the past 11 years.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–The NPD Group has promoted Perry James to president of its home and office supplies division. James replaces Peter Goldman, who moved to a new position within the company, as senior vice president of NPD’s Technology Analyst Business.

BELLMAWR, N.J.–Ginsey Home Solutions has elevated Guy Conte to senior vice president of sales and Bridget Crozier to vice president of sales, and has named Allen Robinson vice president of new business development, a newly created position.

LAKEWOOD, Colo.—Business technology provider Brandwise has named Paul Bishop as vice president of marketing and communications, a new position, where he will lead the marketing and communications department as the company enhances its focus on communication.

Bishop joins Brandwise from the public relations firm Professional  Marketing, where he spent three years as executive vice president focusing on a number of gift and home clients, including Brandwise.

NEW YORK–Marc Navarre has been named the president and chief executive officer of Croscill, Glenoit and Excell.

Most recently, Navarre was the president and CEO of Groupe SEB, North America, where he oversaw the management of housewares brands such as All-Clad, T-Fal, WearEver, Rowenta, Moulinex and Krups. Previously, Navarre served as the president and CEO of All-Clad Metal Crafters.

PLANO, Texas–William Ackman, founder and chief executive officer of Pershing Square Capital Management, and Steven Roth, chairman of Vornado Realty Trust, have been appointed to the J.C. Penney board of directors.

MOORESVILLE, N.C.–Larry D. Stone, president and chief operating officer of Lowe’s, will retire on June 2.

In his more than four-decade career with the home-improvement retailer, Stone served in a variety of executive posts in store operations, merchandising and store environment. A Lowe’s statement said the company will not fill his positions after his retirement.

Lowe’s also announced the following promotions:

NEW YORK-Gracious Home has appointed Amanda Mettler Goodrich to the new position of creative director and director of product innovation and private brands strategy and execution. A four-year veteran of Gracious Home, she previously was senior buyer for all soft goods, scents and fragrances, kids, baby and pet products.

WEST CHESTER, Pa.—Claire Watts, QVC’s president of U.S. commerce, has been promoted to the newly created position of chief executive officer, U.S., of QVC.

PLANO, Texas–J. C. Penney Company has made a series of senior leadership promotions in its finance, sourcing and technology organizations. Those promotions include Michael Dastugue to executive vice president and chief financial officer; Ken Mangone as executive vice president of product development, design and sourcing; and Ed Robben as senior vice president and chief information officer. All three are members of JCPenney’s executive board.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Jeff Davis has been promoted to senior vice president and treasurer of Walmart Stores.

Davis will succeed Charles Holley, who was recently promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer. Both Davis and Holley will assume their new roles on Dec. 1. Davis will oversee treasury operations, capital markets, investor relations and risk management.

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y.–Wake Robin, a specialty home shop, has been opened here by Megan David, a former buyer for ABC Carpet & Home.

The store will carry categories including furniture, tabletop, lighting  and textiles. Specific items include case goods from Canvas, a furniture and accessories line that David helped develop. Block print bedding and other textiles from India, Japanese textiles from Fog Linen, along with informal handmade earthenware, will be featured.

PHILADELPHIA–John Broughton has been named national utility program manager at Westinghouse Lighting. He will be responsible for administering and promoting utility incentive programs with Westinghouse Lighting’s customer base in retail, commercial and industrial channels.

His previous work experience includes positions with D&R International, the Department of Energy and MaxLight.

NEW YORK–Michael Boodro has been named editor-in-chief of Elle Decor.

Boodro was previously the magazine’s executive editor from 2004-2006, and rejoined Elle Decor in 2009 from Martha Stewart Living where he was editor-in-chief. Elle Decor said it will also retain its core editorial team led by Anita Sarsidi, Florentino Pamintuan and Vicky Lowry.

In addition to Boodro’s promotion, Sarsidi has been promoted to design director and Florentino Pamintuan has been elevated to creative director. Lowry will assume the executive editor title at the magazine.

NEW YORK – It was perhaps the most sought-after job in shelter magazine publishing and now Margaret Russell has it.

The Conde Nast announcement last week that Russell had been named editor of Architectural Digest – considered the grande dame of the business – was not totally unexpected as it followed much speculation within the trade.

HIGH POINT, N.C.—Joe Carroll, the former long-time publisher of Furniture Today, has joined McNeill Communications Group as president of its newly formed marketing communications division.

Caroll retired from the magazine earlier this year after spending 33 years there, most of it as publisher. At McNeill, which specializes in the home furnishings field, he will oversee marketing and communications, including planning, advertising, public relations and social media.

Macy’s Home has a new person in charge, as the previous head of the unit moves to the online operation.

The promotion of Lisa Magann to executive vice president and GMM for home and the shift of Jeff Kantor to president, merchandising for Macys.com come as Helaine Suval, who has been executive vice president of merchandising for the dot-com unit, announced her plans to retire next spring.

GREEN BAY, Wis.–John Bulgarella has been appointed divisional vice president and divisional merchandise manager for Shopko’s hard-home division.

In his new post, Bulgarella is responsible for developing, directing and executing merchandise strategies for the retailers’ consumer-electronics and furniture divisions. Information on who Bulgarella is succeeding was not immediately available.

WOODRIDGE, Ill.–Mary Cushing Merfeld has been named chief financial officer at Wilton Brands, succeeding Thomas Kasvin, who is leaving to pursue other interests, the company said.

Merfeld will continue in her role as president, operations, a position she has held since 2007.  Having been at Wilton for 20 years, Merfeld has served in a number of positions, including as chief financial officer from 2002 to 2007.

CORTE MADERA, Calif.–Restoration Hardware has appointed former Guess executive Carlos Alberini as co-chief executive officer and a company director.

Alberini reports to Gary Friedman, the retailer’s chairman, who had been the sole CEO and who will now share that role with Alberini. The latter oversees the company’s finance, supply-chain, inventory, information-technology, stores and human-resources functions. Friedman is in charge of the company’s creative, merchandising and marketing operations.

DALLAS–Neiman Marcus announced yesterday that Burt Tansky, its chief executive officer, will retire from the position in October.

Karen Katz, head of Neiman Marcus Stores, will succeed Tansky. Katz has been with Neiman Marcus since 1985.

Tansky, who has been the CEO since 2001, will remain non-executive chairman of the board. James Skinner, Neiman Marcus chief financial officer, adds the title of chief operating officer.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Well-known retail executive Allen Questrom will not seek reelection to Walmart’s board of directors, according to a report in Women’s Wear Daily.

Questrom, who has done chief executive stints at J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus and Barneys, joined Walmart’s board in 2007.

Walmart’s board members must seek reelection annually.

PLANO, Texas–J.C. Penney has reset the leadership of its home business, and has promoted John Tighe to senior vice president and general merchandise manager of the home area. Tighe, who joined J.C. Penney in 2002, had previously served as senior vice president of jcp.com. He reports to Steven Lawrence, executive vice president and senior general merchandise manager of J.C. Penney’s men’s and children’s sectors, who has now been given responsibility for the home business as well.

NEW YORK–John A. Thain has been named chairman and chief executive officer of CIT, effective immediately.
According to a company statement, Thain will “continue CIT’s transition to a more streamlined commercial lender focused on serving the small-business and middle-market sectors, and optimizing the company’s business model.” CIT emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December.
Thain succeeds Peter Tobin, who was named interim CEO in January and who remains on the company’s board of directors.

ISSAQUAH, Wash.–Costco Wholesale Corporation has appointed Craig Jelinek president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.
Jelinek previously was executive vice president in charge of merchandising, a position he has held since 2004. He spent the previous 20 years in various management positions in warehouse operations. Jelinek will join the Costo board of directors.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–In a series of moves announced yesterday, Walmart has completely overhauled its geographical, merchandising and e-commerce operations in the United States, centralizing some operating functions while regionalizing merchandising.
Among the key changes, the retailer has reorganized its U.S. stores into three geographic business units: Walmart West, Walmart South and Walmart North.

CINCINNATI–Macy’s plans to launch a Bloomingdale’s Outlet store concept this year, and has hired former Federated executive Arnie Orlick to lead the outlet effort.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–James Haworth has been named executive vice president and president of the retail services unit of Sears Holdings.
Haworth, who will begin in this post on Jan. 31, will be responsible for the oversight, leadership and strategic growth of retail services for all Sears and Kmart stores. He will report to the board of directors of the retail services unit, and will join both this board and the board of directors for Sears Holdings.
Haworth will succeed Kevin Holt, who has left the company.

ITASCA, Ill.–Enesco appointed Stephen Zaruba to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer.
Zaruba will also serve as a member of the Enesco Executive Management Team, reporting to Bill Guarisco, executive vice president of Enesco, LLC.
Zaruba joins Enesco from Compact Industries, a supplier to consumer product manufacturers, where he had been chief financial officer since 2006. His previous experience includes 20 years in accounting and corporate finance with the Sara Lee Corporation.

NEW YORK–Rich Roman, president of Revman, has assumed the presidency of the Home Fashion Products Association.
Roman has succeeded Barry Leonard, president of Croscill/Ex-Cell Home Fashions/Glenoit, who will serve a two-year term as president of the HFPA Foundation.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Eduardo Solórzano, president and chief executive officer of Walmart de Mexico has been named executive vice president, president and CEO of Walmart Latin America.
In his new position he will oversee Walmart’s operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico.
Scot Rank will succeed Solórzano as president, CEO of Walmart de Mexico. Rank was Walmart de Mexico’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Solórzano was also named chairman of the board of Walmart de Mexico.

DALLAS–The Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group has announced its advisory panel members for 2010.
The Catalog Advisory Panel now consists of Drew and Claire Nelson, Board & Basket; Mary Moore, Cook’s Warehouse; Larry Sales and Alexandra Mack, Cooking.com; Gwen Uhlig, Cucina Fresca; Art and Martha Nading, Extra Ingredient; Ed and Jane Fowler, Gourmet Pantry; Wanda Denny, Kitchen & Spice; Doug and Lia Huemoeller Kitchen Window; David and Barbara Freeman, Kitchenware Outfitters; and Laura and Stephen Havlek, Sign of the Bear.

PLEASANTON, Calif.–Ross Stores has created a new management alignment that includes the promotion of three key executives to president positions.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears Holdings has named John Goodman executive vice president, apparel and home. Goodman was previously Kmart’s chief apparel and home officer, leaving the company in 2005.
He will also be a member of the internal holding company business unit board of directors and, until a permanent leader is found, president of Kmart Apparel.
Most recently, Goodman was the chief executive officer for apparel retailer Charlotte Russe.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holding Corp. said that William Kunkler has been elected to its board of directors.
Kunkler is executive vice president of operations at CC Industries, a private equity firm that focuses on manufacturing companies and real-estate investments. In a statement, Edward S. Lampert, Sears Holdings’ chairman, cited the new board member’s “business acumen and experience.”
Kunkler is also a director for Envestnet Asset Management, a financial-services company, and NIBCO, a manufacturer of valves and fittings.

CANONSBURG, Pa.–Marc Breviere has been appointed vice president of sales, marketing and communications for Groupe SEB High-End Brands, a new position. Reporting to Jose Augusto de Oliveira, the chief executive officer and president of All-Clad and the division president of Groupe SEB High-End Brands, Breviere will have the High-End Brands marketing and sales teams, including key account managers, report to him.
Having joined Groupe SEB in 1992, Breviere was most recently marketing director of Groupe SEB U.K.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–Veteran retail executive Robert Mettler has been appointed to the board of directors of Stein Mart.
Mettler, now retired, was chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s West, a position he began in 2000. Prior to that, he served in a variety of executive posts including president of merchandising full-line stores for Sears and president and CEO of Robinson’s.
Currently, Mettler also serves on the board of Jones Apparel Group, the board of National Jewish Health and the board of trustees of the University of Virginia College Foundation.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Vicente Trius has been appointed executive vice president, president and chief executive officer of Walmart Latin America.
Information on who he is succeeding was not available.

STANLEYTOWN, Va.–Stanley Furniture Company, Inc., has named Kelly Cain vice president of international sales and special markets.
Cain takes on responsibility for all aspects of the international and special market channels globally, including management of the international sales team.
He succeeds Brad Miller, who has left the company.
Cain joined Stanley Furniture in 1981 as a sales representative in Florida. Most recently he served as vice president-product manager.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Walmart Stores has named Brian Cornell president and chief executive officer of Sam’s Club, effective April 3. Cornell succeeds Doug McMillon, who became president and CEO of Walmart International last month. In his new role, Cornell will report to Mike Duke, president and CEO of Walmart Stores.

NEW YORK–Jeff Kantor will lead the home business as general merchandise manager of home at Macy’s, Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Macy’s, told HFN.
Kantor most recently served as president of furniture for Macy’s Home Store, the centralized home buying division that will effectively be eliminated when it is integrated into Macy’s national merchandising, stores and marketing organizations.

NATICK, Mass.–BJ’s Wholesale Club has named Laura Sen chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1. Sen succeeds Herb Zarkin.
The management changes were part of a planned succession. Zarkin will remain chairman of the board of directors, according to a BJ’s statement.
Sen has served as BJ’s president and chief operating officer since January 2008. She will retain the president title and continue to serve on the board of directors.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holdings has named Michael Collins senior vice president of finance.
Collins will succeed J. Miles Reidy as chief financial officer prior to the end of the 2008 fiscal year.
Reidy, who will step down due to a family issue, will work with Collins to ensure an orderly transition, Sears said.
Collins joins Sears from General Electric Corp., where he was senior vice president of planning and analysis at GE’s NBC Universal division.

RICHMOND, Va.–Phillip Schoonover has stepped down as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Circuit City, effective immediately.
Vice Chairman James Marcum will serve as acting president and CEO.
Schoonover joined the consumer electronics retailer in 2004. He’s served as president and a director of the company since 2005 and was named CEO in 2006.
Allen King has been named chairman of the company’s board of directors. He retired as chairman of Universal Corp. in August.

DALLAS–The Container Store named Melissa Collins vice president of creative and online, a new position.
She most recently was senior director of creative and online services for the storage retailer.
Joan Manson has been named vice president of loss prevention, payroll, benefits and legal, also a new title. She most recently was senior vice president of loss prevention, benefits and payroll.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holdings’ chief marketing officer Maureen McGuire will leave the company at the end of the month for personal reasons, according to the company.
McGuire joined Sears in 2005 and has rebuilt the marketing organization, Sears said.
Senior vice president Richard Gerstein, who has led the Sears marketing team for the last year, will now direct marketing for Sears Holdings.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holdings named Guenther Trieb senior vice president and president of its exclusive Kenmore appliance, Craftsman tools and DieHard battery brands.
The position is new and was created in January when Sears organized the company around brand-centered business units in a bid to improve sales.
Trieb joins Sears Holdings from Procter & Gamble, where he most recently was vice president for P&G’s Western European Feminine Care Global business unit.

NEW YORK–Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. has named Frank Guzzetta as president, Ralph Lauren Home Collection, reporting to Roger Farah, president and chief operations officer, Polo Ralph Lauren.
Succeeding Barbara Deichman, who retired last year, Guzzetta will join the company on Aug. 11.

ABILENE, Kan.–Retailing veteran Jane Gilmartin has been appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer for Duckwall-Alco, the Midwestern department-store chain.
In this newly created position, Gilmartin oversees the company’s merchandising, marketing, supply-chain-management, store-layout and visual-presentation functions. She reports directly to Larry Zigerelli, president and chief executive officer, who himself joined Duckwall-Alco at the beginning of this month.

SAN JOSE, Calif.–Lorrie Norrington, currently president of eBay’s marketplaces operations, was appointed president of eBay Marketplaces.
She succeeds Rajiv Dutta, who is retiring, and will report to John Donahoe, president and chief executive officer. The changes will take effect in October.
Prior to her current position, Norrington was president of eBay International, which generated 52 percent of Marketplaces’ revenues, according to a statement. Before joining eBay in June 2005, she served as chief operating officer of Intuit.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Bill Stewart, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Kmart, is leaving parent company Sears Holdings Corp. to work on a campaign to protect gay marriage in California, a Sears’ spokesman confirmed.
His last day is June 30. A search for Stewart’s successor is under way at the company.

NEW YORK–Susan Lyne has stepped down as president and chief executive officer at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, the company announced today.
As a result, Robin Marino, president of merchandising, and Wenda Harris Millard, president of media, have been named to the positions of co-chief executive officers, reporting to Charles Koppelman, chairman of the board.
Lyne, who has been in this role for four years, will stay on as an adviser for a period of time to assure a smooth transition and will remain a director during that time.

NEW YORK–Sarah Palomba has been appointed corporate and marketing manager for Chris Madden Inc., the design firm.
In this newly created position, Palomba is responsible for working with J.C. Penney’s advertising agency, Saatchi and Co., and for coordination activities with the retailer’s public-relations agency, Loving and Co. The Chris Madden for J.C. Penny Home Collection has been offered at J.C. Penney since May 2004. Palomba reports to Barbara Marks, chief operating officer.

UNIONDALE, N.Y.–Christopher Sim has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer of Fortunoff, a new position at the specialty chain.
Sim was formerly senior vice president of finance for Saks Inc.
At Fortunoff, he will report to Charlie Chinni, chairman and chief executive officer of the specialty retailer.
“Sim’s expertise will facilitate Fortunoff’s retail expansion and enhance our profile as a high-end jewelry and homewares vendor,” Chinni said, in a statement.
Chinni replaced Arnie Orlick as CEO in March.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Wal-Mart is eyeing the Russian market for growth, and has tapped Stephan Fanderl to be its president of Wal-Mart emerging markets, East.
In this role, Fanderl will spearhead’s Wal-Mart’s efforts to explore “business opportunities in Russia and neighboring markets,” Wal-Mart said in a statement.
Fanderl joins Wal-Mart from the Rewe Group, a German retailer.

SAN FRANCISCO–Former Sharper Images executives Bill Feroe, Tom Krysiak and Tristan Christianson have been named to positions with AbsolutelyNew, a new-product development company.
Feroe has become executive vice president of merchandising, reporting directly to Richard Donat, chief executive officer. Krysiak has been named senior vice president of operations and manufacturing, while Christianson has been appointed industrial designer. Both Krysiak and Christianson report to Feroe.

OMAHA, Neb.–Midwestern discounter Pamida named Paul Rothamel president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Rothamel has served as interim CEO since November 2007.
Prior to his role as interim CEO, Rothamel was Pamida’s senior vice president of operations. Rothamel previously served as regional vice president of ShopKo Stores and held management positions with Target Corp.
Pamida is an affiliated portfolio company of private investment firm Sun Capital Partners.
When he was named interim CEO, Rothamel followed Larry Johnson, who left the company.

HAYWARD, Calif.–Mervyns has named John Goodman president and chief executive officer. He joins the promotional department store chain from Levi Strauss & Co., where he was president and general manager of its Dockers brand.
Goodman will assume the position on April 7 from Chuck Kurth, executive vice president and interim CEO. Kurth will take on an expanded role at Mervyns as chief administrative and financial officer.

WESTBURY, N.Y.–Donald Watros has been named vice chairman of Fortunoff. Watros joined NRDC Equity Partners in August 2006 and currently serves as managing director of retail operations, a position he will maintain alongside the Fortunoff assignment. NRDC, which also owns Lord & Taylor, officially acquired Fortunoff last week.

NEW YORK–Marking the latest in a series of senior appointments, Bloomingdale’s has named Bruce Berman president of Bloomingdale’s Direct, adding to his role as chief financial officer of Macy’s upscale division.
In this role, he will oversee Bloomingdale’s By Mail and Bloomingdales.com, reporting to Frank Doroff, Bloomingdale’s vice chairman.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–David Zant has returned to Belk to head up its home division as it reshuffled senior ranks.
Belk named Zant executive vice president and general merchandise manger of home and men’s. He most recently was vice chairman of private brands, merchandise planning and Internet marketing for The Bon-Ton Stores.
Zant was executive vice president and GMM of home for Belk in 2002. He joined Belk in 2001 as president of the Belk Central Division in Charlotte.

NEW YORK–Bloomingdale’s today tapped Tony Spring, an executive who came up through the home ranks, to be president.
In his new role, Spring said he is looking forward to stoking Bloomingdale’s fashionable edge in home furnishings. He will oversee the division's stores, marketing, creative services, finance, operations and restaurants. His appointment comes as the upscale division of Macy’s beefs up its senior ranks and eyes accelerated expansion.
Since 2005, Spring has served as Bloomingdale’s senior executive vice president and director of stores.

LAS VEGAS–Furniture industry veteran Bob Maricich has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the World Market Center Las Vegas. 
Maricich was introduced at the market here today in what was a well-kept secret to fill a spot that had been open since Harvey Dondero’s departure last year.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.–Dollar General named Richard Dreiling to be the chief executive officer of the chain, effective Jan. 21. Dreiling was most recently the president and CEO of drugstore chain Duane Reade. Dreiling’s other prior posts include senior leadership roles with Safeway and Longs Drug Stores.
David Bere, Dollar General’s president and chief operating officer, had been serving as interim CEO. He will continue as president and chief operating officer.

MINNEAPOLIS–After leading the retailer for 14 years, Bob Ulrich will retire as chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corp. on May 1. He will be succeeded by Gregg Steinhafel, the current president. Ulrich, who turns 65 in April, will stay on as chairman through the end of fiscal 2008.
Ulrich began his retail career as a merchandising trainee in 1967 at Dayton’s, the former department store division of Target Corp.