International Business

New York City -- Starbucks Coffee Co. plans to expand in Latin America after concentrating in recent past years more on Asia, founder and CEO Howard Schultz said at a presentation in Madrid, Bloomberg reported.

The chain as about $2 billion in cash to invest in an “aggressive and opportunistic way,” Schultz said, and is especially interested in Brazil, according to the report.

HOLLYWOOD — Frederick’s of Hollywood Group announced that former Gap executive Don Jones has joined the company as president and COO.   

Jones, who most recently served as CEO of Pogan Retail, a consulting firm he founded in 2003. Prior to founding Pogan, Jones served  as SVP stores and operations for Gap Inc., where he was responsible for Gap,  Gap Kids and Gap Body retail stores.  

During his career, Jones also held leadership positions at Target, Ikea, Filene's and Macy's.

Toronto -- Katz Group Canada has announced the retirement of industry veteran Andy Giancamilli as CEO, effective Feb. 2, 2012.  Katz is Canada’s largest integrated pharmacy network, operating more than 1,800 chain, franchise and independent pharmacies,

Giancamilli will remain in an advisory role until May 2012. He will be succeeded by Frank Scorpiniti, who joined the company in April as COO.

Giancamilli came to Katz after serving as executive VP at Canadian Tire. Prior to that, he was president and COO of Kmart.
 

HONG KONG — On the heels of a 98% drop in its yearly earnings, Esprit Holdings said it is divesting its North American businesses and exiting three major European markets.

The company said it is actively looking for a partner willing to acquire its North American operations, which include 93 stores in the United States.

Hong Kong -- On the heels of a 98% drop in its yearly earnings, Esprit Holdings said it is divesting its North American businesses and exiting three major European markets.

The company said it is actively looking for a partner willing to acquire its North American operations, which include 93 stores in the United States.

New York City -- Frederick's of Hollywood said Wednesday it has named former Gap executive Don Jones as its president and COO. He will be charged with helping to revitalize the Frederick’s Hollywood brand on an international scale.

Jones, most recently a retail consultant, was senior VP of stores and operations for Gap, where led the rollout of the Gap Body line.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — Ahold has announced the appointment of Jeff Carr as EVP and CFO, starting Nov. 12. Carr will be a member of Ahold’s corporate executive board, pending shareholder approval. He will succeed Kimberly Ross who is leaving Ahold in November to become CFO of Avon.

Carr will be responsible for Ahold’s finance, real estate and IT functions. He will also manage the company’s existing €350 million cost reduction program and explore further ways to reduce costs and simplify the business.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores on Wednesday launched initiatives intended, it says, to help women around the globe in the next five years.

The retailer has spent the last year developing a plan -- with help from both governmental and non-governmental organizations and philanthropic groups -- which will direct $20 billion over a five- year period on goods and services from U.S. businesses owned by women, as well as double the amount it pays women-run suppliers overseas.