C-SUITE

Coach Inc. has tapped a 26-year fashion veteran to lead the company as its expands its brand portfolio.   Joshua Schulman has been named president and CEO of the Coach brand, effective June 5. In this newly created role, Schulman will be responsible for all aspects of the brand globally, reporting directly to Victor Luis, CEO of Coach, Inc. This new leadership structure follows the 2015 acquisition of Stuart Weitzman, and is an important step in Coach, Inc.’s evolution as a customer-focused, multi-brand organization, the retailer said.

Hudson’s Bay Co.’s newest executive is joining the company just in time to lead the European division’s next phase of development.   Dr. Wolfgang Link will become CEO of HBC Europe, effective May 1. He will lead the expansion and growth strategy for the department store’s European business, including Galeria Kaufhof, Galeria Inno, and the entrance of Hudson’s Bay and Saks OFF 5TH. Reporting to HBC’s CEO Jerry Storch, Dr. Link will also oversee the European management team.  

As German discount giant Lidl prepares to enter the U.S. market, Save-A-Lot is bringing in a new chief executive officer whose resume includes a 13-year stint at the European chain.      The discount supermarket chain has appointed Kenneth McGrath as CEO, effective April 21, 2017. He succeeds Eric Claus, whose departure was described as a “mutually agreed” parting of the ways.   

A former executive at Sears Holdings Corp. has has been named president and CEO of Pier I Imports.     Alasdair James, 46, will take the reins of the home décor chain on May 1, 2017. He replaces Alex Smith, who was ousted from the company at the end of last year amid slumping sales.   

The woman whose quirky, eclectic personal style came to define J. Crew — and who is the No.2 executive at the company — is leaving.    Jenna Lyons, president and executive creative director, is stepping down from the struggling retailer. She will remain with J.Crew as a creative advisor until her contract expires in December 2017.     

It’s a new day at Starbucks Corp.   Kevin Johnson officially took over as CEO of Starbucks on Monday, April 3. Outgoing CEO Howard Schultz continues on at the company as executive chairman, and will focus on the development of  Starbucks’ new formats, Reserve Roasteries and Starbucks Reserve,  and the company’s social impact initiatives.   

U.S. Auto Parts has a new leader at the helm.   Aaron Coleman has been appointed as the company’s CEO and director, effective immediately. He succeeds Shane Evangelist, who served as CEO and a director since 2007. Evangelist recently resigned.  

Wegmans Food Markets has appointed a familiar name as its new chief executive.   Danny Wegman announced that he is stepping down as chief executive of the family-owned supermarket company and will be succeeded by his daughter, Colleen Wegman, who will serve as president and CEO.    Danny Wegman will assume the title of chairman.