Corporate Governance

In a digital arena where e-commerce businesses are vying for traffic, Virtual Piggy has continued expanding its footprint — 500,000 users have signed up for its family wallet solution. 

Hormel Foods has announced the upcoming retirement of Dr. Phillip L. Minerich, VP of research and development, effective Dec. 31. Taking his place Oct. 28 will be Dr. Kevin L. Myers, who is currently director of product and process development, research and development.

Dunnhumby, a leading customer science company, has launched Dunnhumby Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focusing on innovations in retail technology. 

Dunnhumby Ventures will serve as a support mechanism for innovators, helping to fund startup businesses that are embracing data for innovations along the consumer’s path to purchase. Dunnhumby Ventures will also provide strategic input and mentorship. Average initial investments will range from $100,000 to $500,000.

VeriFone Systems, a leading global secure electronic payments provider, has appointed Paul Galant as the company’s CEO and elected him to its board of directors, effective Oct. 1.

Prior to joining VeriFone, Galant served as the CEO of Citigroup Inc.’s Enterprise Payments business since 2010. Before that, from 2009, Galant served as CEO of Citi Cards, heading Citigroup’s North American and International Consumer Credit Cards business during a period of dramatic change in the industry. Prior to that, from 2007, he was CEO of Citi Transaction Services.

Software Paradigms International (SPI), a leading global, award-winning retail IT services and solutions provider, has acquired Shiloh Technologies, an Arkansas-based analytic software company for retailers and suppliers.

“This acquisition was strategic, allowing us to extend our product portfolio to provide POS analytics from retailers to their suppliers. It also provides Shiloh clients with the opportunity to leverage our global services and products — providing both companies with endless opportunities,” said Sid Mookerji, CEO and co-founder, SPI.

New York -- Shaky consumer confidence and increased efficiencies among retailers may put a damper on retailers’ holiday hiring plans, according to global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

In its annual holiday hiring forecast, Challenger estimated that seasonal job gains will not see a significant decline from last year’s robust numbers, but they are likely to at best match the level of hiring that occurred in October, November, and December 2012.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores announced its goal to achieve net zero emissions each year through 2015. The company also announced that it has been recognized with a 2013 Sustained Excellence in Green Power Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (The annual Green Power Leadership Awards recognize the country’s leading green power users for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market.)

Columbus, Ohio -- Rolfe Swinton, a creative, consumer insight and technology entrepreneur, has joined strategic brand and design firm Chute Gerdeman as CEO.

Swinton founded and built Lumi Mobile, a provider of mobile-enabled consumer insight technologies backed by WPP and Australian billionaire Chris Morris. He also co-founded Reality Mine, the leading provider of passive mobile data collection and behavioral analytics.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports has named Eric Hunter as executive VP of marketing, responsible for the company’s brand image and integrated marketing efforts. He most recently served as senior VP of marketing and acting chief marketing officer for J.C. Penney Co., where he led strategy, research, creative, media, customer relationship management and digital direction for the JCP enterprise brand and all JCP-owned brands.

Sunbury, Pa. -- Weis Markets announced that company president and CEO David J. Hepfinger has left the company to pursue other interests. Company vice chairman Jonathan H. Weis replaces him as interim CEO. Robert F. Weis remains as company chairman.

Hepfinger has also resigned from the company's board of directors. As part of the reorganization, Kurt Schertle, executive VP, sales and merchandising will report directly to Weis who will also oversee the company's real estate/store development, finance and human resources' teams.