Labor & Employment

NEW YORK — The Jones Group Inc. has appointed Joseph Stafiniak to the newly created position of SVP merchandising of Nine West, effective immediately. In this role, Stafiniak will operate as the lead merchant for Nine West overseeing merchandising strategies and the execution of product to meet the expanding needs of the brand's global business. He will report to Kathy Nedorostek, group president of global footwear and accessories.

Minneapolis -- Supervalu on Monday announced that Sam K. Duncan will become president and CEO, effective immediately. He succeeds Wayne Sales, who has served as the company’s president and CEO since July 2012.

FOOTHILLS RANCH, Calif.  —  The Wet Seal Inc. on Friday announced that its COO is resigning as the struggling retailer initiates a corporate workforce reduction as part of a broader cost-saving initiative. In other moves, it will shutter two poor-performing Arden B stores.

The struggling chain, which also authorized a $25 million stock buyback program, said president and COO Ken Seipel resigned effective immediately. His position will not be filled. Instead, Seipel's duties will be shared between CEO John Goodman and CFO Steve Benrubi.

Rite Aid on Thursday announced the appointment of Yong Choe as VP federal affairs and public policy.

Choe previously served as director of business outreach and member services for the Republican Study Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and worked in various roles in the government affairs division of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores between 2003 and 2010. In his new position, he will report to EVP pharmacy Robert Thompson.

Foothills Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal Inc. on Friday announced that its COO is resigning as the struggling retailer initiates a corporate workforce reduction as part of a broader cost-saving initiative. In other moves, it will shutter two poor-performing Arden B stores.

The struggling chain, which also authorized a $25 million stock buyback program, said president and COO Ken Seipel resigned effective immediately. His position will not be filled. Instead, Seipel's duties will be shared between CEO John Goodman and CFO Steve Benrubi.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. announced Monday that it has named Peter J. Bocian as EVP and CFO, effective Feb. 19.

Bocian, who will report to Safeway president Robert Edwards, spent a year with Starbucks as the coffee purveyor’s CFO and chief administrative officer. Most recently, he was head of real estate finance for JP Morgan Chase.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday announced the appointment of Peter Bocian as its new executive vice president and CFO. Bocian, 58, will oversee the company's financial functions including accounting, tax, audit, treasury, investor relations, planning and business development. He will report directly to Robert Edwards, Safeway's president, and will assume his new responsibilities on Feb. 19.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu has named Sam Duncan president and CEO.