Strategy

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. has appointed Deverl Maserang as executive VP leading the company’s global supply chain organization, effective June 3. He will be accountable for end-to-end supply chain operations globally spanning manufacturing, engineering, procurement, distribution, planning, transportation, inventory management and worldwide sourcing.

Maserang joins Starbucks from Chiquita Brands International, where he led the Global Value Chain for Chiquita and Fresh Express.

NEW YORK & CHICAGO — Global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company Accenture is acquiring Acquity Group to help it strengthen its e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities. 

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. reported a deeper-than-expected loss of $348 million for its first quarter, compared to $163 million in the year-ago period, amid a 16.4% decline in revenue. The results came as the company seeks to undo the damage caused by former CEO Ron Johnson’s costly and largely failed makeover.

New York -- Brixmor Property Group has appointed Michael V. Pappagallo as president and CFO, effective May 20.

Pappagallo will play an integral role in the execution of Brixmor's long-term business and capital markets strategy.  In addition, he will lead the company's finance and accounting teams, as well as have functional oversight of its property operations, information technology, acquisitions/dispositions and investor relations efforts.

DALLAS — Kathleen Mason, former CEO of Tuesday Morning, has filed a lawsuit against her ex-employer in Dallas District Court claiming discrimination. Mason, who was fired last June, alleges that Tuesday Morning mistreated and then terminated her within months after learning she was suffering from breast cancer.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack is partnering with Maker Media to offer a line of exclusive DIY electronics products such as robotics, kits and tools. The cobranded product line, which includes items such as moldable plastic and youth robotic and remote control hobby kits, will be available in the fall.

"DIY is part of RadioShack's DNA," said Dawn Callahan, VP of merchandising, RadioShack. "We're grateful to be part of a wonderfully loyal community of makers, and we listened when they told us how we can help bring their ideas to life."

CHICAGO — Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics retailer HH Gregg is looking to Leo Burnett USA and Spark SMG, a full-service media agency of Starcom MediaVest Group, to help it expand brand awareness for its products.

"From the beginning, Leo Burnett and Spark demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and our vision for the future," said Jeff Pearson, SVP of marketing. "After a diligent process we chose Leo Burnett and Spark as the best agencies to help us build a winning national brand."

Seattle -- Nordstrom Inc. reported its first quarter net income fell a greater-than-expected 3%, hurt by weak demand for spring merchandise and softer performance in the Northeast and Midwest. The company also lowered its full-year sales forecast.

The results were a rare miss for the upscale department store chain whose shoppers have proved resilient throughout the uncertain economy.