Labor & Employment

Columbia Sportswear Company, a leading manufacturer of active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, has appointed Franco Fogliato as SVP of Europe, reporting directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle, effective Nov. 4.

Fogliato will be responsible for establishing and executing sales, distribution and marketing strategies for the company’s Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear and Sorel brands, sold through more than 5,000 wholesale customers across Europe.

Domestic same-store sales at AutoZone for the fourth quarter ended Aug. 31 increased 1% — below expectations. The company did have reason to ride high, however, because it also posted its 28th consecutive quarter of double digit growth in earnings per share. 

Diluted earnings per share increased 23.2% to $10.42 per share from $8.46 per share in the year-ago quarter. Moreover, net sales were $3.1 billion for the quarter, a 12% jump from the same quarter last year. 

Eastman Kodak Company has elected James V. Continenza chairman of the board. Continenza has been a Kodak director since April. Kodak CEO Antonio M. Perez remains a member of the board.

“Kodak is a company poised for growth. I look forward to providing leadership as the company realizes its potential as a technology company focused on the packaging, graphic communications, and functional printing markets,” said Continenza.

Tiffany & Co.’s board of directors has promoted Frederic Cumenal to the position of president and appointed him to a newly created seat on the board. 

Cumenal, who has been with Tiffany in a regional executive role since March 2011, will retain his regional responsibilities and will assume responsibility for the design, merchandising and marketing functions.

Toronto – Sears Canada CEO Calvin McDonald has resigned to take a position with an unnamed international company. The retailer named COO and executive VP Douglas C. Campbell as president and CEO.

As COO, Campbell was responsible for retail store operations, logistics, replenishment, IT, corporate procurement, and international sourcing. Prior to joining Sears, Campbell was a principal with Boston Consulting Group and also an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Hormel Foods has announced the upcoming retirement of Dr. Phillip L. Minerich, VP of research and development, effective Dec. 31. Taking his place Oct. 28 will be Dr. Kevin L. Myers, who is currently director of product and process development, research and development.

New York -- The board of directors of Tiffany & Co. has appointed Frederic Cumenal to the position of president of Tiffany & Co. and also appointed him to a newly created seat on the company’s board. Cumenal, 54, who has been with Tiffany in a regional executive role since March 2011, will retain his regional responsibilities and will assume responsibility for the design, merchandising and marketing functions.

New York -- Consumer Confidence decreased in September amid resurfacing concerns about the short-term outlook for both jobs and earnings, according to The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index. The index, which had increased slightly in August, now stands at 79.7, down from 81.8 in August. Analysts had expected the index to fall to 79.9 this month.

The Present Situation Index grew to 73.2 from 70.9. The Expectations Index fell to 84.1 from 89.0 last month.