Consumer Affairs & Relations

India -- The Indian government on Friday won a non-binding vote in the upper house of parliament on its new policy to allow foreign supermarkets to enter the country's vast retail market, which is put at approximately $450 billion.

The government had already won a vote on retail reform in the lower house two days earlier.

New York — Verizon Communications has elected Kathryn A. Tesija, EVP merchandising and supply chain at Target to the Verizon board of directors, effective immediately.

"Kathee Tesija brings to Verizon her valuable consumer insight as well as significant experience in managing the complex, large-scale, global retail functions of merchandising and supply chain," said Lowell C. McAdam, Verizon chairman and CEO.

The addition of Tesija brings Verizon's total board membership to 12.

New York -- Dick’s Sporting goods will pay $2 special dividend before year end in a move to help investors avoid what are presumed to be higher dividend tax rates in 2013 and beyond.

The dividend payment will be made from cash on hand, according to the company.

NEW YORK — Verizon Communications has elected Kathryn A. Tesija, EVP of merchandising and supply chain at Target to the Verizon board of directors, effective immediately.

"Kathee Tesija brings to Verizon her valuable consumer insight as well as significant experience in managing the complex, large-scale, global retail functions of merchandising and supply chain," said Lowell C. McAdam, Verizon chairman and CEO.

The addition of Tesija brings Verizon's total board membership to 12.

Kelly Semrau, SVP of global corporate affairs, communication and sustainability at SC Johnson, is the newest board member at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI).

The group, previously known as the Soap and Detergent Association, confirmed her appointment at a recent meeting where Amway’s Catherine Ehrenberger and Sasol’s Tom O’Brien were also appointed to new posts.

Ehrenberger, vp of research and development, quality and regulatory at Amway, was named board chair and O’Brien, group vp and general manager as Sasol, was named vice chair.

Dick’s Sporting goods will pay $2 special dividend before year end in a move to help investors avoid what are presumed to be higher dividend tax rates in 2013 and beyond.

The dividend payment will be made from cash on hand, according to the company.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General has elected Sandy Cochran, president and CEO of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, to its board of directors, effective December 5.

“We are excited to add Sandy to the Dollar General board of directors,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “Sandy’s extensive experience and perspective will provide us with valuable insights as we continue to grow our business. Her expertise will complement our board as we strive to build shareholder value.”

Los Angeles -- CBRE Group announced that Robert E. Sulentic assumed the position of president and CEO, effective Dec. 1.
   
Sulentic succeeds Brett White, who, as previously announced, retired on Nov. 30.

Sulentic, most recently the company’s president, also joined CBRE’s board of directors, which has expanded to 11 members. White also remains a member of the board.