International Business

Casual footwear manufacturer Crocs has appointed former Walmart executive Greg Sullivan as the company’s general manager for the Americas region. The region encompasses North, Central and South America.

In his new role, Sullivan will be responsible for managing the region's day-to-day operations, including overseeing sales, marketing, finance and human resources functions, as well as the region's wholesale, internet and direct-to-consumer channels.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has appointed Paul D. O’Brien as the company’s president of the Asia Pacific region, a newly created position. O’Brien will report to president and CEO Brian P. Kelley.

The appointment coincides with current president of international business development Gerard Geoffrion’s announcement that he plans to retire at the end of calendar 2014.

O’Brien joins GMCR from Sara Lee Corporation, where he served as managing director of the Kitchens of Sara Lee Pty., based in Australia, since Nov. 2010.

Johnson & Johnson saw its growth initiatives pay off in the third quarter and increased its earnings guidance for 2013.

The company had sales of $17.6 billion for the quarter, an increase of 3.1% as compared to the third quarter of 2012. Operational results increased 4.7% and the negative impact of currency was 1.6%. Domestic sales increased 1.7%. International sales increased 4.2%, reflecting operational growth of 7.1% and a negative currency impact of 2.9%.

The Coca-Cola Company is focusing on the positive following third quarter results for the period ended Sept. 27. The company experienced continued global value share gains in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages for the 25th consecutive quarter.

The company also reported worldwide volume growth of 2% in the third quarter against the backdrop of increasing volatility in several emerging markets. Coca-Cola Americas grew volume 1% in the quarter, with North America volume up 2% and Latin America volume flat in the quarter.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar has elevated Jason Reiser to the position of senior VP/lead merchandising officer at Family Dollar, according to an internal memo from company president and COO Mike Bloom.

New York -- Chico's FAS is expanding outside of the United States, opening a White House Black Market store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto on Oct. 24. The women's apparel retailer will open its second Canadian location at Square One, Mississauga on Oct. 29, followed by Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket on November 12.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Square One are owned by Oxford Properties Group and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo).Upper Canada Mall is owned by Oxford Properties Group and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).

Broomfield, Colo. -- Famous Brands International, the parent company of TCBY Yogurt and Mrs. Fields Cookies, has appointed David Bloom to the position of senior VP of strategic development, effective immediately. Bloom has been serving as the chief development officer for Hurricane Grill & Wings since June 2012.

Famous Brands also announced the following promotions: Dustin Finkel to VP of marketing; Belinda Oakley to VP of operations; and Cassie Alvey to VP of Mrs. Fields gifting.

Dallas — Savills, a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange, has announced the formation of a strategic alliance with SRS Real Estate Partners — the largest real estate firm exclusively dedicated to servicing retail clients in the U.S.

The alliance will act as a bridge between U.S. and U.K. markets and provide Savills’ and SRS’s retail clients access to expert advise about growing internationally

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, has reached an agreement with Bell Laboratories, Inc., a leading rodent control technology developer, to acquire the Tomcat consumer rodent control business.

Chico's FAS’ expansion plans are taking it outside U.S. borders, to Canada. The women's apparel retailer is opening a White House Black Market store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto on Oct. 24, and will follow it up with an opening at Square One, Mississauga on Oct. 29, as well as an opening at Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket on November 12.