Corporate Governance

Deerfield Park, Ill. – A 16% year-over-year jump in third quarter profit still missed Wall Street estimates, causing Walgreen Co. to withdraw previously issued fiscal 2016 guidance. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, Walgreen reported net earnings of $722 million, up 16% from $624 million in the same period the previous fiscal year.

More than a dozen of Walmart’s top merchants are in new roles following a realignment of responsibilities that chief merchandising and marketing officer Duncan Mac Naughton said is designed to recognize customers’ needs and serve them more efficiently.
 

Starting with a washer and dryer, Whirlpool products will be getting smarter with the help of Nest’s learning thermostat. The appliance company plans to integrate some of its products with Nest’s thermostat.

The commerce technology and marketing arm of eBay has a new president. Craig Hayman, a 15-year veteran of IBM, has been named the head of eBay enterprise.

“Technology continues to have a significant impact on the overall commerce landscape,” eBay’s President and CEO John Donahoe said. “Craig’s experience will enhance our ability to serve retailers and brands in this online to offine world.”

Walgreens reported a 16% year-over-year jump in third quarter profit, but was forced to withdraw its previously issued fiscal 2016 guidance because it missed Wall Street estimates.

The company’s net earnings for the quarter were $722 million compared to $624 million in the prior-year period. Net sales increased 6% to $19.4 billion from $18.3 billion, while same-store sales increased 4.8%.

Subscription billing management company Recurly has appointed Renato Mascardo, former VP of engineering at Rosetta Stone, as its new chief technology officer.

“We are delighted to have Renato join our leadership team,” said Dan Burkhart, CEO for Recurly. “He brings a passion software innovation and a pride in world-class execution which is exciting for a company at our stage of growth.”

Digital receipts company flexReceipts has named Megan Licursi as its chief marketing officer.

In her new position, Licursi will oversee the company’s strategic vision and the implementation of its marketing approach. Previously, Licursi has helped national brands create and execute marketing programs, and will bring that to flexreceipts, which uses a software for clients to include promotions and social media links in electronic receipts they send to customers.

Sporting goods and apparel retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors has renewed multi-year contracts with Auburn University and the University of Alabama. The renewal means that it will continue to sell the universities’ licensed products in its 13 Alabama stores.
 
The retailer is currently an official sponsor of University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide and official sporting goods retailer for Auburn University’s Tigers, and has been working with the two universities for several years.
 

Camp Hill, Pa. – Rite Aid is bringing some glitz, as well as health consciousness, to its newly reopened Beverly Hills store. On June 23, Rite Aid re-opened its Beverly Hills store with a major remodel that features its new wellness store design, as well as dining options.

Seattle – Starbucks appears to be targeting afternoon shoppers with new soda and sandwich offerings. Starting June 24, Starbucks is expanding its cold beverage portfolio with the addition of Fizzio handcrafted sodas at about 3,500 U.S. locations.

Fizzio sodas are carbonated fresh behind the counter and debut in three flavors. Starbucks estimates the global carbonated beverage market is worth $415 billion.