Labor & Employment

DALLAS — Davaco, a provider of turnkey implementation solutions for national brands, has named Tim Currier VP business development.  In this role, Currier is responsible for identifying new business opportunities and building strategic partnerships with nationwide retail, restaurant and hospitality brands. He reports to Paul Hamer, EVP business development for Davaco

Minneapolis -- A just-released report from the Wall Street Journal said that Best Buy founder Richard Schulze, who resigned his chairman of the board seat earlier this month, may be looking into buying out the company.

Schulze is said to be working with bankers from Credit Suisse. At the time of his resignation as chairman, he owned approximately 20% of the company.
 

PITTSBURGH — Heinz has named Dave Woodward EVP in charge of Heinz North America, effective immediately.

New Orleans — Despite reporting an uptick in organized retail crime, the National Retail Federation revealed that retail theft rates decreased in 2011, according to preliminary results of the organization's latest National Retail Security survey.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s has donated $250,000 to the First Response Team of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to responding to natural disasters and working alongside local agencies to help save lives in the wake of destruction.

New York — The Jones Group has named George Sharp EVP design, a newly created position. Sharp will report to Stefani Greenfield, chief creative officer, and will work across all brands.

"George is an exceptional talent who brings tremendous experience and knowledge to The Jones Group," said Stefani Greenfield, chief creative officer of The Jones Group. "He will work closely with all of our brands to ensure that great design leads the process by which our brands enter the market."

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Mattel has renamed its design center at its Southern California headquarters the Handler Team Center in honor of founders Ruth and Elliot Handler.

Former Hewlett-Packard executive Shelley Perry was named SVP and chief technology officer at online electronics retailer Newegg, the company announced Monday. The company also name Merle McIntosh as SVP product management.

“Newegg is dedicated to attracting top industry talent as we prepare to propel the company through our next stage of growth,” said Bob Bellack, CEO of Newegg North America. “Both Shelley and Merle are tremendous additions to our leadership team and we’re all thrilled to have them on board.”