Labor & Employment

CARY, N.C. — The Pantry, an independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, announced that Joe Venezia is joining the executive leadership team as SVP operations.

Venezia joins The Pantry from TitleMax. In his new role at The Pantry, he will lead the company’s store operations and be focused on driving sales, improving store productivity, and leading a great store operations team.

New York -- A Thursday report by Wall Street Journal said that Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. has filed plans for an initial public offering of up to $150 million in common stock.

The retailer, which this week unveiled its new RH branding, is looking to the IPO to pay down debt. It was acquired in 2008 by Catterton Partners in a $179 million buyout and last month revealed a plan for reorganization on the heels of co-CEO Gary Friedman’s resignation following an internal probe into a relationship with a female employee.

Minneapolis -- Supervalu on Thursday announced the appointment of Kathy Persian as senior VP and chief information officer of the company.  

Persian joined Supervalu in 2010 as group VP retail and merchandising systems, and later moved to group VP corporate planning, analysis and business process.

She replaces Wayne Shurts, who resigned to accept a position with another company.

Prior to Supervalu, Persian served as senior VP international business process and operations for Best Buy Co.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu has named Kathy Persian as SVP and chief information officer. Persian joined the company in February 2010 in the role of group VP retail and merchandising systems, and later moved to group VP corporate planning, analysis and business process. Persian was named to the CIO post following the decision by Wayne Shurts to accept a position with another company. Shurts joined Supervalu in April 2010.

Cary, N.C. -- C-store operator The Pantry said Thursday it has named Joe Venezia as senior VP operations for the chain.

Venezia most recently worked at TitleMax, and before that served in regional general manager positions at Wal-Mart.

Los Angeles -- The Westfield Group announced that David T. Weinert will join the U.S. unit of the group as senior executive VP leasing.

Weinert joins Westfield after 25 years with the Taubman Co., most recently serving as senior VP of leasing.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has named Michael Williams as SVP, general counsel and secretary, effective Nov 7. Williams will have global management responsibility for the company’s legal team and will report to Ron Sargent, Staples’ chairman and chief executive officer.

“Mike brings more than 25 years of legal management experience to Staples,” Sargent said. “With his proven leadership and experience across industries, he will play an important role in supporting the company’s growth.”

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties announced that Farzana Mitchell has succeeded John Foy as CFO.  

Foy will remain in the near term as executive vice chairman to provide continuity through the transition.  

In addition, the CBL board announced that Katie Reinsmidt has been promoted to the new position of senior VP – investor relations and corporate investments.