Corporate Governance

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Ace Hardware Corp. announced that John Venhuizen has been named president and CEO of the hardware cooperative. The appointment is part of a strategic leadership transition that was announced last fall.

In September, Venhuizen was named president and COO of Ace Hardware, while Ace’s outgoing leader Ray Griffith maintained the title of CEO.

Venhuizen is a 20+-year veteran of Ace Hardware, having served in a variety of capacities.

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax Inc. announced Monday the unveiling of a new format, OfficeMax Business Solutions Center, in downtown Milwaukee. The 5,000-sq.-ft. store is designed to serve small businesses with services, solutions and products to help local entrepreneurs grow their companies.  

Located in The Shops of Grand Avenue, the new format replaces the previous OfficeMax store.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has selected OMD to be its new media planning and buying agency of record. OMD will be responsible for U.S. and Puerto Rico activity related to traditional, multicultural, digital and mobile media planning and buying. The business will be led from OMD’s Chicago office.

CULVER CITY, Calif. — Glenn Hasen has joined Magento, the leading e-commerce platform part of the X.commerce division of Ebay, as VP global sales and channels. In his new role, Glenn will manage day-to-day operations of the sales organization and oversee merchant adoption, successful customer onboarding and retention of the Magento platform.

SEATTLE -- Amazon.com went back to its roots as bookseller last week with the announcement that it would acquire social site Goodreads, an online book recommendation community that has more than 16 millions around the globe. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Wet Seal has announced the promotions of the company’s two divisional merchandising managers for its Wet Seal brand. Kim Bajrech has been appointed SVP, general merchandising manager apparel, and Debbie Shinn has been appointed SVP, general merchandising manager accessories and ready-to-wear.

AURORA, Colo. — Walgreens announced Monday an expansion of its relationship with SolarCity, saying the new power systems would reduce more than 47.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the next two decades.

The Colorado-based firm will install solar power systems at 22 Walgreens stores in 14 cities in the state over the next few months.

LOS ANGELES — Virtual Piggy, an online service that allows parents to monitor their children's online shopping behavior, has appointed Iain Herd as global mobile product director.

With over thirteen years experience in product management, and seven years leading mobile initiatives at major corporations, Iain will be responsible for directing and managing Virtual Piggy’s Mobile First initiative, reporting directly to CEO and founder, Dr. Jo Webber.

MAITLAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets is supporting the March of Dimees with a new fundraising campaign taking place April 6 through the 27.

The cutout campaign coincides with March for Babies, the March of Dimes signature event, which occurs on April 27 in most areas. Associates will sell the cutouts at the checkout and ask customers to sign their name or the name of a baby they love, creating an impressive in-store display.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores has elected James Gooch to its board of directors and as chair of the audit committee of the board of directors.