Labor & Employment

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced a $15 billion share buyback program at its annual shareholder meeting on Friday. It also said it expects to generate $10 billion in global e-commerce sales by the end of the fiscal year.

The new buyback program replaces the previous $15 billion plan, which had about $712 million remaining under the 2011 authorization.  

The world’s largest company held its annual shareholders meeting Friday morning and the most noteworthy development at the event — aside from a $15 billion share repurchase authorization — was a surprise appearance and glowing comments by Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise.

By John Paluszek, [email protected]

This time it is different.
 
But the question remains: Is it different enough? Let us, then, count the ways.
 
The “tipping point” may seem facile, but the current dramatic increment of tragic incidents is now more toxic to more corporate reputations.  That’s a big deal, generating a new dimension of company action.
 

CINCINNATI — Phillips Edison & Company has named John S. Kokinchak, SCSM, SCLS, as GM of Parmatown Mall in Parma, Ohio, Cleveland's largest suburb.

Kokinchak, a veteran executive of the shopping center industry, will assist in leading the transformation of the historic retail location into The Shoppes at Parma, a "Main Street" destination for shopping and dining that will act as a town center for residents of Parma and surrounding communities.

Toano, Va. -- Lumber Liquidators, the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in North America, announced the appointment of Sandra C. Whitehouse as senior VP chief human resources officer, effective later this month.

Whitehouse most recently served as chief human resources officer for Earthbound Farm. Previously, she led the human resources department at Orchard Supply Hardware.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services has promoted Douglas K. Mandel to first VP investments. Mandel also serves as senior director of the firm’s National Office and Industrial Properties Group and director of the National Retail Group.

In 2012, Mandel was the firm’s top office and industrial agent nationwide.

Store level execution, a topic near but not always so dear to the hearts of Walmart suppliers, will be the focus of a Doing Business in Bentonville event scheduled for next Wednesday.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Jones Lang LaSalle has signed industry veteran Stephanie Moore as VP in its Charlotte office. Moore will work with John Bemis, executive VP and retail lead for the southeast region.

Moore comes to Jones Lang LaSalle from CBRE, where she represented landlords such as Equity One, Tishman Speyer, Behringer Harvard and Grosvenor in acquisitions and dispositions. She also conducted nationwide searches for Max Mara, GAP, Godiva and Hickey Freeman.