Labor & Employment

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Hasbro announced that it is reorganizing its global games business and moving its games marketing and games development employees from East Longmeadow, Mass. to Rhode Island. 

New York — Walmart and The Home Depot have each pledged $1 million to help rebuilding efforts in tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo.

Each of the retailers had a store in Joplin that was leveled in the storm. Both stores had fatalities inside them.

In a statement, Walmart said it has accounted for all of its associates working at the store at that time, but still is reaching out to all of its employees in the area. It also is working to direct truckloads of water, food and other basic items to Joplin.

SAN FRANCISCO — Fresh & Easy has announced the opening dates for its first two stores in San Francisco.

The retail chain said that the stores, which will open on June 22 and Aug. 24, will create more than 50 jobs. What's more, Fresh & Easy also invites area residents to nominate a local, nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 donation for each new store opening. Based on the nominations from the neighborhood, store employees will select the winning charity.

Boca Raton, Fla. — After serving seven months in an interim capacity, Office Deport made a surprise decision and named long-time board member Neil Austrian as its new chairman and CEO. The announcement ends a lengthy search that began last fall when former chairman and CEO Steve Odland left the company on Nov. 1, amid deteriorating business results and Austrian was tapped to serve in an interim capacity. He had previously served in an interim role prior the company’s appointment of Odland.

Boca Raton, Fla. — After serving seven months in an interim capacity, Office Deport made a surprise decision and named long-time board member Neil Austrian as its new chairman and CEO. The announcement ends a lengthy search that began last fall when former chairman and CEO Steve Odland left the company on Nov. 1, amid deteriorating business results and Austrian was tapped to serve in an interim capacity. He had previously served in an interim role prior the company’s appointment of Odland.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Sears Holdings has named William Phelan as acting CFO, replacing Michael Collins, currently SVP and CFO, who resigned last week to pursue another opportunity, the company reported in an SEC filing.

Collins will remain with the company until June 10 in order to ensure a smooth transition, Sears noted in the filing.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that Sam Solomon has joined the company as SVP and president of its tools business.  Solomon is responsible for developing and driving growth and profit opportunities for one of the company's cornerstone businesses, the company reported.  He was recently CEO and president of The Coleman Company Inc.  

Austin, Texas -- The Weitzman Group announced that Bradley Bailey has been named senior VP and director of investment sales for Central Texas and The Valley for The Weitzman Group.

Bailey will work with Lance Morris, president of The Weitzman Group in Austin, and David Nicolson, president of Weitzman’s San Antonio office. 

In this new position, Bailey will handle investment sales and marketing for retail and commercial properties.