Diversity & Inclusion

FREMONT, Calif. — The Men’s Wearhouse’s board of directors has offered new details regarding founder George Zimmer’s termination as executive chair.

"Our actions were not taken to hurt George Zimmer. Rather we were focused on what we believed to be in the best interests of Men's Wearhouse, as well as shareholders and employees. While Mr. Zimmer owns 3.5% of the stock, it is our obligation to represent the interests of all shareholders.”

New York -- George Zimmer, the founder of Men's Wearhouse Inc., resigned from the company board of directors on Monday, according to a letter he sent the board, which was obtained by Reuters.
   
Last week, Zimmer was fired as the company's executive chairman. On Monday he submitted a letter resigning from the board. In the letter, Zimmer said it was "clear" he was fired by the board "to avoid addressing my growing concerns with recent board decisions."

Bolingbrook, Ill. -- Ulta Beauty has selected Mary Dillon, the president and CEO of U.S. Cellular, as CEO, effective July 1, 2013. She replaces Dennis K. Eck, who has been serving as interim CEO of Ulta since CEO Chuck Rubin left to head up Michaels.

Dillon, 52, who will also become a member of Ulta’s board, has served in the top spot at U.S. Cellular since 2010. Previously, she was global chief marketing officer and executive VP for McDonald's Corp.

NEW YORK — Estée Lauder has promoted Philippe Warnery to GM, Canada. He will report to Thia Breen, group president, North America. 

Warnery will be responsible for the growth and profitability of the Canadian affiliate with a focus on locally relevant opportunities, assessing market conditions, building key account relationships, managing operational effectiveness, building capabilities and aligning and engaging the Canada team. 

NEW YORK — L'Oréal has appointed Kristina Schake as the company’s chief communications officer, effective July 8. 

Schake will represent L'Oréal USA for all corporate communications and will lead the external communications strategy in the areas of public and media relations, industry and government relations, sustainability and crisis communications. She will also oversee the company’s corporate philanthropic programs. 

Chesapeake, Va. – Shareholders of Dollar Tree re-elected 11 members of the board of directors at the company’s annual meeting on June 20. Arnold S. Barron, Macon F. Brock, Jr., Mary Anne Citrino, H. Ray Compton, Conrad M. Hall, Lemuel E. Lewis, J. Douglas Perry, Bob Sasser, Thomas A. Saunders III, Thomas E. Whiddon, and Carl P. Zeithaml each received a majority of votes to serve another term on the board of directors.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea was joined by journalist and television host Lisa Ling to mark its third annual Life Improvement Project with a $50,000 donation to Save the Children’s early education programs.

In addition to the donation, Ikea provided home furnishings, design advice and manpower to help make over a Family Head Start/Early Learn location in Brooklyn, N.Y., a Save the Children-supported facility which was affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Growth opportunities in new geographies prompted Kroger to realign its organizational structure and place four executive in new roles.

Just two days after reporting strong first quarter results, the nation’s second largest food retailer established two new supermarket divisions in Nashville and Louisville.

San Francisco -- The Gymboree Corporation has appointed former Levi Strauss & Co. executive Joelle Maher as the company's new COO.  

At Levi Strauss & Co., Maher was most recently executive VP, president global retail, and prior to that senior VP of Americas multichannel retail, and VP, planning, allocation, stores, store operations and outlet.

She also held executive leadership positions at Lucky Brand Jeans, Old Navy and Macy's East.

Walmart isn’t the first place that comes to mind as a destination for professional business attire so at first blush it was a bit odd to see the company affiliated with a group called Dress for Success Worldwide.

That said, there is more to Dress for Success than meets the eye which is why Walmart, in keeping with its female empowerment objectives, contributed $500,000 to the organization with week. The funds were presented during a special event held in conjunction with the Walmart Northwest Arkansas LPGA Championship.