C-SUITE

There’s been a reorganization at Whole Foods Market.   On Wednesday, the natural-foods retailer named a new chairwoman and five new independent directors, effective immediately. It also appointed a former Kohl’s executive as CFO.   The changes come as activist investors and restless shareholders have been demanding Whole Foods accelerate the turnaround its business. The board shakeup came on the same day as the retailer released second quarter earnings that met analysts’ expectations. 

Timberland has made yet another executive appointment to support its growth strategies.   The company named footwear industry veteran Tracy Smith as VP and general manager of Timberland North America. In this role, he will lead the strategic vision and operations of Timberland’s wholesale and direct to consumer businesses in North America, with responsibility for strategy, merchandising, sales, marketing and operations.  

There’s been a shakeup at Bon-Ton Stores.   The department store retailer announced that Kathryn Bufano, president and CEO, will leave the company when her contract expires on August 25. She will be succeeded by William Tracy, currently the retailer’s COO. He will be Bon-Ton’s fourth chief executive since 2012.   

An office supplies giant is taking steps to tighten up its data security strategies.   Staples named Brett Wahlin as its chief information security officer (CISO), responsible for global enterprise-wide information, product and data security. He will report to chief technology officer Faisal Masud, who leads Staples Digital Solutions, a new organization within the company that combines its traditional IT and digital organizations.  

Crate & Barrel has named a new chief executive some three weeks after it let its former one go.   The home furnishings chain has appointed Neela Montgomery as CEO. Montgomery, most recently served as board chair of Crate & Barrel parent Otto Group, will assume the role effective August 1, 2017. She replaces Doug Diemoz, who left in April. http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/crate-barrel-ceo-out  

An executive from Avery Dennison Corp. is headed to Nordstrom.    The retailer announced that Anne Bramman is joining the company as CFO effective June 2, 2017. Bramman comes to Nordstrom from Avery Dennison, where she has served as senior VP and CFO since 2015. She previously held the CFO position at Carnival Cruise Line, and was also CFO of Henri Bendel, a subsidiary of L Brands Inc.  

Amazon’s fashion journey may have just hit a bump in the road.   Cathy Beaudoin, the online giant’s president of fashion, has left her post — a position she has held for eight years, reported Business of Fashion.  

There’s been a couple of change in the C-suite of hand-made goods marketplace Etsy.   The company said chairman and CEO Chad Dickerson is stepping down, to be succeeded as CEO by board member Josh Silverman, effective May 3. Fred Wilson, who has served as lead independent director of the Etsy board, since October 2014, will succeed Dickerson as chairman.