Marketing

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores on Friday will appoint Sylvia Mathews Burwell, a former senior executive of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to head its corporate foundation, according to the New York Times. She also will oversee the retail giant’s social, environmental and economic development programs in Africa.

Burwell replaces Margaret A. McKenna, who became the company foundation’s president in 2007.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Discount retailer Stein Mart named Hunt Hawkins COO and expanded his responsibilities to include store operations and e-commerce at the 263-unit chain. Hawkins previously served as EVP and chief administrative officer with responsibility for information technology, supply chain and human resources, responsibilities he will retain in his new role.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores named Paul White to the position of executive VP and chief merchandising officer.

White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart announced that D. Hunt Hawkins, previously the company's executive VP and chief administrative officer, has been named COO.

"Hunt has been an important part of Stein Mart since 1994 and has had a key role in our significant operational improvements over the last several years," commented Jay Stein, interim CEO of Stein Mart. "This is a great reward for his many years of quality service."

NEW YORK — Affinity Solutions, a provider of transaction-based marketing programs for financial institutions and retailers in the United States, announced that John Brennan has joined as VP business development.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Monday that it has named Paul White as executive VP, chief merchandising officer. He will report to Michael Bloom, president and COO.

White joined Family Dollar in 2011 as senior VP, apparel, home and seasonal. Before joining the company, he served as the past president, CEO, and director of Goody’s, where he refocused the merchandising and marketing strategies on the core customer while leading the company’s exit from bankruptcy.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Monday named Paul White to the position of EVP and chief merchandising officer. White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

“Through Paul’s leadership and strategic vision, Family Dollar has created a compelling mix of discretionary merchandise, which has led to a more fun place to shop for our customers,” Bloom said. “Paul’s promotion will help us continue to broaden our appeal and deliver greater value to our customers.”

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- A survey released Monday by Spherion Staffing Services said that when consumers have a positive customer service experience, they are more likely than ever before to share their opinions than in previous years, especially via social media, online review sites, and with the company itself.