Corporate Responsibility

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Cesar L. Alvarez, co-chairman of the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has been elected to membership on the Sears Holdings board of directors.

Alvarez joined Greenberg Traurig in 1973. Prior to his appointment as co-chairman, Alvarez served the firm as its executive chairman for more than three years, and as its CEO 13 years. Prior to becoming CEO in 1997, he practiced securities, corporate and international law for more than 25 years.

Walmart dominated the airwaves this holiday season and the investment paid off, according to advertising measurement firm Ace Metrix which compiled a list of the most effective holiday ads.

Walmart topped the list with a heartwarming spot called Christmas Magic which featuring a selfless child donating a toy he desired to the Salvation Army only to discover he was the recipient of the same toy on Christmas Day. Walmart aired more than 40 unique pieces of holiday-themed creative this season, making it the most prolific advertiser of the season, according to Ace Metrix.

Ikea plans to launch an employee loyalty program launch in the new year. Beginning in 2014, every employee worldwide will receive an equal contribution to their pension plan, based on the company's financial goals being met.

The program named Tack! — which means ‘thank you’ in Swedish — was inspired by Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad's wish to “share the success of the Ikea Group with all employees.”

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has added Ajani Stewart to its sustainability team within the RILA legal department.

Stewart will be leading the development of RILA’s Center for Retail Compliance (CRC). RILA recently received funding to develop the CRC, a Web-based resource for retailers and stakeholders in the industry to access solutions and information for maintaining and achieving environmental compliance. Stewart is responsible for the development of the center.

Toronto, Canada -- Staples Canada has announced its sustainability achievements for the third quarter of 2013, meeting its recycling and energy efficiency program goals.

Arlington, Va. -- Ajani Stewart has joined the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) as part of the sustainability team within the RILA legal department. Stewart is leading the development of RILA’s Center for Retail Compliance (CRC). RILA recently received funding to develop the CRC, a web-based resource for retailers and stakeholders in the industry to access solutions and information for maintaining and achieving environmental compliance. Stewart is responsible for the development of the center.

The Hershey Company is working with its suppliers to achieve 100% traceable and sustainably sourced palm oil by the end of 2014.

The company has also achieved its commitment to source 100% mass balanced Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil-certified palm oil more than a year ahead of its original 2015 commitment.

One year after beginning operation, two 415 foot tall wind turbines at SC Johnsons’ Mt. Pleasant, Wis., manufacturing facility are helping the facility generate 100% of its power needs on site.

The mammoth turbines are located at the company’s largest manufacturing facility known as “waxdale” which encompasses an area the size of 36 football fields. It’s where brands such as Glade, Windex, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Raid and OFF! are manufactured.

Walmart has appointed Krish Iyer president and CEO of Walmart India, effective Jan. 20, 2014. He will report to Scott Price, president of Walmart Asia.