Diversity & Inclusion

Leading footwear manufacturer Wolverine Worldwide added an executive with an ideal background for a data insecure world to its board of directors.

Leading payment technology and services company First Data has launched First Data Salutes, a company-wide military engagement strategy aimed at helping the veteran-owned business community and service members and their families who are making the transition to civilian careers.

PepsiCo has appointed Tony West EVP of government affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective Nov. 24. He succeeds Larry Thompson, who is retiring after almost a decade of service.

Levi Strauss has added Jenny Ming to its board of directors. Ming is president and CEO of Charlotte Russe, a specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to young women, with more than 500 stores across the US, a position she has held since October 2009.

Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Melissa A. Howell SVP of global human resources. Howell will report directly to chairman, CEO and president Blake Krueger.

Howell has more than 24 years of experience in human resource management with General Motors, one of the world's largest automobile companies, with more than 200,000 employees in more than 150 countries. Howell most recently served as SVP of global human resources and also held numerous other human resource leadership roles during her time with the company.  

New York -- Associated Foods Stores president Robert Sigel announced that Zulema Wiscovitch has joined the company as executive VP and chief administrative officer.

New York -- The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether a Muslim woman who was denied a job at an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. store because she wears a head scarf was required to specifically request a religious accommodation at the time of her job interview.

The court agreed to hear an appeal filed in the case by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that sued the retailer on behalf of Samantha Elauf, who was denied a sales job at an Abercrombie Kids store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, back in 2008.

The Bon-Ton board of directors has added Beth Grumbacher, daughter of board chairman and strategic initiatives officer Tim Grumbacher, to its ranks, expanding the number of members to 10.

Washington, D.C. -- Madison Marquette Retail Services (MMRS), a national real estate development, leasing and management firm specializing in infill, mixed-use, community and specialty retail properties, has named Lori Coleman VP, management services, California. In her new role, Coleman will oversee the company’s entire California portfolio, which includes 4.8 million sq. ft. across 18 properties.