Labor & Employment

Dublin, Ohio - Brandon Solano, 43, has been named senior VP of marketing of The Wendy’s Company. Solano will report to Wendy's chief marketing officer Craig Bahner and will lead the company's brand marketing efforts.

Prior to joining Wendy's, Solano served three years as VP of franchise development at Domino's, leading retail store expansion, global retail re-imaging and franchise recruiting. From 2008 to 2011, Solano spearheaded product innovation at Domino's. Prior to Domino's, Solano served as marketing director for The Hershey Company.

Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness Kermit Crawford is leaving the company after 31 years to take on new opportunities, including continuing to serve as a senior counselor to Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson.

Dallas -- Corner Bakery Café has implemented Altametrics' E-Restaurant and E-SmartClock solutions to improve labor, food, human resources and administrative costs at all of its cafes, with full launch beginning in August. After a three-month test in 10 company-owned stores, Corner Bakery Cafe implemented ESmartClock technology, which features an easy-to-use touch-screen and provides real-time visibility, monitoring and alerting of critical labor elements such as proactive notification of an employee approaching overtime.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens announced that  Kermit Crawford, president of  pharmacy, health and wellness, will retire, effective Dec. 31, after 31 years with the company. Crawford plans to join the University of Southern California’s School of Pharmacy, where will serve as executive in residence and senior adviser to the Dean. He also will serve as a senior counselor to Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson.



Camp Hill, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corporation announced that Darren Karst is joining Rite Aid as executive VP and CFO, effective Aug. 20.

Karst succeeds Frank Vitrano, who has announced he will retire in September, 2015. Until then, Vitrano retains the chief administrative officer responsibilities for the company’s information technology, real estate and indirect procurement functions. He will also serve as a key resource in the development and execution of new business and growth initiatives.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores announced that Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. since June 2010, is leaving the company. He will be replaced by Greg Foran, 53, president and CEO of Walmart Asia, who will take up the post on Aug. 9, reporting directly Wal-Mart president and CEO, Doug McMillon. Simon will be available on a consulting basis for the next six months to ensure a seamless transition.

Sears Canada has added EVP and operating chief Klaudio Leshnjani to the board of directors, following the sudden passing of H Ronald Weissman.

Weissman has served as a member of board since Nov. 2013 and was a member of the audit committee.

Leshnjani held several executive positions with the company, including EVP, chief administrative officer and general counsel, EVP, financial and home services, human resources, general counsel and corporate communications and SVP and general counsel.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. has reportedly laid off 478 PGA golf pros who were providing in-store services such as golf lessons and club repairs. According to Fox Business, Dick’s made the cuts as golf sales and participation rates decline.