International Business

New York City -- Microsoft Corp. announced that Bill Gonzalez, general manager of its worldwide distribution and services sector, has been elected to the associate member advisory council for the board of directors of the National Retail Federation. The announcement was made at the NRF Annual Convention & EXPO in New York.

Minneapolis -- Just days after announcing 2011 U.S. expansion plans, Target announced an acquisition in Canada that will enable it to open between 100 and 150 stores during the next four years. The company announce that it has agreed to pay C$1.825 billion to purchase from Zellers Inc., a subsidiary of the Hudson's Bay Co., the leasehold interests in up to 220 sites currently operated by Zellers. This transaction will allow Target to open its first Target stores in Canada beginning in 2013.

Seattle -- Callison announced today that John Jastrem has been appointed as chairman and CEO of Callison. He replaces James P. Rothwell, who is stepping down as CEO and returning to his previous role as principal in the firm running its commercial design practice. Callison’s chairman Robert J. Tindall, is leaving the firm.

Jastrem has served on Callison’s Holdings board (Callison Architecture Holding, LLC and Subsidiaries) since 2006 and as its executive chairman since August 2010.

NEW YORK -Tiffany & Co. announced that James Quinn will retire in early 2012. Quinn joined Tiffany in 1986 and has served as president since 2003, responsible for the company’s sales outside the Americas.

ATLANTA - The Home Depot announced that Aaron Carmack has been promoted to president, The Home Depot Canada, effective Jan. 31.  Carmack, the current regional VP of the Pac North region in the U.S., is replacing Annette Verschuren, who is leaving the company after nearly 15 years of service.

Pasadena, Calif. -- Disney Store will open more than 25 new and remodeled locations around the globe in 2011. The stores will feature the company’s updated store design, which features an array of interactive and immersive experiences. The company ultimately plans to transform all its 350+ locations to the new concept.

“Guests told us that we brought the magic back to Disney Store with the launch of our new design, and they responded by staying in the stores longer and purchasing more,” said Jim Fielding, president, Disney Stores Worldwide.

New York City -- The Home Depot promoted Aaron Carmack to president of The Home Depot Canada.

Carmack, currently regional VP of the Pac North region in the United States, on Jan. 31 replaces Annette Verschuren, who is leaving the home-improvement retailer after nearly 15 years.

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Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot is buying Swedish office supply company Svanstroms Gruppen in order to expand its presence there.

Terms were not disclosed.

Office Depot first entered the Swedish market in 2004 through a strategic alliance with AGE Kontor & Data AB.

"We've been successful in this market and see continued growth and high potential in the region," said Charlie Brown, president of Office Depot's international division, said in a statement on Tuesday.

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. announced that James Quinn will retire in early 2012. Quinn joined Tiffany in 1986 and has served as president since 2003, responsible for the company’s sales outside the Americas.

ATLANTA — Newell Rubbermaid, whose portfolio includes the hair accessories brand Goody, has announced that its president and CEO, Mark Ketchum, will retire later this year.

An executive recruiting firm has been retained to conduct an outside search for Ketchum's replacement and also assist with the assessment of internal candidates, the company stated. To help ensure a smooth and transition, Ketchum plans to remain on the company¹s board through the spring of 2012.