Diversity & Inclusion

Sequential Brands Group has selected actress Paula Patton as the new face and brand ambassador for Ellen Tracy.

Patton's role as brand ambassador begins this November when she will spearhead a global initiative to commemorate women's contributions during the last 65 years. The partnership coincides with seasonal collections and campaigns and extends throughout 2015.

The Clorox Company’s board of directors has promoted Benno Dorer to CEO, effective Nov. 20. At that time, Donald R. Knauss will continue serving on the board in a newly created executive chairman role.

Knauss has served as chairman and CEO of the company since October 2006. Since January 2013, Dorer, 50, has served as EVP and chief operating officer, cleaning, international and corporate strategy.

L'Oréal USA Women in Digital, a program that recruits, supports and promotes female entrepreneurs in technology, has announced the three new companies that have been selected as winners of its 2014 NEXT Generation Awards.

The winners — GLAMSQUAD, Jibo and Shareablee — were honored Thursday evening at an event in New York City hosted by athlete, fashion pioneer, actress and L'Oreal Paris spokeswoman Aimee Mullins, to celebrate both established and up-and-coming female leaders in technology.

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has appointed Debra A. Crew president and chief commercial officer, effective Oct. 1. Crew is currently the president and general manager of PepsiCo North America Nutrition.

Pittsburgh -- GNC Holdings named Jeffrey R. Hennion as executive VP, chief marketing and e-commerce officer. Hennion most recently served as president and CFO of mobile commerce provider Branding Build.

Prior to Branding Brand, Hennion led GNC's marketing and e-commerce efforts in 2011 and 2012.  He also spent 10 years with Dick's Sporting Goods in a number of senior leadership roles, including executive VP, chief marketing officer and head of e-commerce.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has appointed Sue Pifer as VP of compliance and Tiffin Shewmake as the director of the Center for Retail Compliance (CRC).

“The experience and skills that Sue and Tiffin possess make them uniquely suited for delivering exceptional value to our member companies on a broad range of compliance issues. We are excited to have them join the RILA team,” said RILA president Sandy Kennedy.

The Network of Executive Women (NEW) has confirmed retail executives from Walgreens, Home Depot, Family Dollar, Publix and Walmart as featured participants at the organization’s Leadership Summit this fall.

The Men's Wearhouse board of directors has promoted Mary Beth Blake to the position of president and chief merchandising officer. She was previously EVP and chief merchandising officer, and will continue reporting to CEO Doug Ewert.

"Mary Beth has been an integral part of our management team since 2008 and has spent her entire career developing creative initiatives to drive sales, expand gross margins and build successful teams," said Ewert.