Labor & Employment

SAN FRANCISCO -- Walmart’s U.S. VP of benefits, Chris McSwain, was elected chairman of the Integrated Benefits Institute, the organization announced Monday.

“Chris McSwain has played an important leadership role in the health benefits community, and we look forward to his continued leadership with IBI,” said Thomas Parry, president of the non-profit health and productivity research organization.

New York City -- American Eagle Outfitters is looking for a new chief executive, the Wall Street Journal reported.

James O'Donnell, 70, has been CEO since 2003 and is said to be retiring, according to the report. Chairman Jay Schottenstein, a longtime retailer who also chairs the board of discount footwear chain DSW, is heading the board's search. Schottenstein was CEO of the company from 1992 to 2002.

New York City -- The Conference Board’s Employment Trends Index, released Monday, increased in February for the fifth consecutive month.

According to the Conference Board, the index now stands at 101.7, up from January’s revised figure of 100.1. The index is up over 8% from a year ago.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Dressbarn parent Ascena Retail Group announced Monday it has named John Pershing as senior VP human resources over Dressbarn, with additional responsibilities for Ascena Retail Group’s compensation, benefits and human resources information system.

Pershing will report to Jeff Gerstel, executive VP and COO, effective immediately. Pershing succeeds David Montieth, who announced his retirement after 20 years with the company.

Los Angeles -- Guess announced Monday that it has appointed Nancy Shachtman as its president of North America, reporting to Paul Marciano, CEO and vice chairman.

Shactman was previously president of Guess Inc. Wholesale. In her new position, she will oversee the North American retail operations for Guess and Guess by Marciano, as well as Guess Wholesale, including Mexico.

Asheville, N.C. -- Ingles Markets announced Monday that its founder and CEO Robert P. Ingle died on Sunday at age 77.

Ingle founded the company in 1965 and served as chairman of the board from 1965 until May 2004 and thereafter has served as a director. He has served as CEO since 1965, and president from 1965 until 1982.

His son Robert P. Ingle II has been named his successor.
 

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige Brands on Friday named Paul Hennessey VP operations.

“[Hennessey’s] background in over-the-counter consumer products is a terrific match for our company,” stated Prestige president and CEO Matthew Mannelly. “As we continue to grow and become even more customer and consumer focused in OTC, [Hennessey’s] leadership skills and extensive experience in supply chain manufacturing will serve our brands and our company well."

WASHINGTON -- The National Retail Federation announced that it welcomed the House of Representatives' vote to repeal a provision in last year’s healthcare reform law that would widely expand the number of IRS 1099 tax forms businesses would be required to file.