C-SUITE

The baton has been passed at Beauty Brands as it looks to enter its “next phase of growth.”   The Kansas City-based retailer has named Caryn Lerner as CEO, succeeding Lyn Kirby, who will remain chairman. Kirby is part of the group that bought Beauty Brands in 2014 from founder Bob Bernstein. Since then, she has served as CEO and chairman of the company, reportedly commuting between Chicago and Kansas City.  Prior to Beauty Brands, Kirby served as CEO of Ulta Beauty.   

Ralph Lauren Corporation has created two executive positions as the company continues its turnaround efforts and to search for a new chief executive.   Ralph Lauren tapped Jonathan Bottomley to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, effective April 3. He will be responsible for evolving Ralph Lauren’s brand voice, leading the global marketing team and building cut-through marketing strategies across the company’s brands.  

Walgreens Boots Alliance is losing its chief merchandising and marketing officer.   Linda Filler, Walgreens' president of retail products and chief merchandising and marketing officer, will depart the retailer effective April 1. Filler has been in the role since January 1, 2015. Prior to joining the drug store chain, she was president of Claire’s Stores. Before Claire’s, Filler served as was executive VP and chief merchandising officer for Sam’s Club,   

Mattress Firm has tapped a veteran energy marketing executive to head up its marketing efforts.    The company has appointed Sicily Dickenson as its chief marketing officer. Dickenson brings more than 13 years of experience in digital marketing, marketing communications, creative services and brand marketing.    

Caleres has made two executive appointment in its Famous Footwear division.   The company named Karlyn Mattson as chief merchandising officer, leading Famous Footwear’s buying, merchandising, planning, allocation and analytic functions.     Mattson joins Caleres from a 25-year career at Target Corp., where she was most recently VP merchandise manager of shoes, accessories and intimate Apparel for retail and online. She held leadership positions at May Company and Macy’s.  

A key advisor to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has been appointed to a new position in the company — one that reflects its continued focus on delivery infrastructure.   Maria Renz, who served as technical advisor to Bezos for the past two years, has been named to the new role of VP of delivery experience, reported Recode.   

The person charged with leading Walgreens Boots Alliance’s digital transformation, is leaving the company in March.   Abhi Dhar, who has essentially served as chief digital officer and CIO of the drugstore giant since 2015, is stepping down from the company to launch an online marketing startup for the retail sector, reported CIO.com. He will serve as CEO of the start-up.  

Wolverine World Wide announced the appointment of Todd Spaletto as president of the Wolverine outdoor and lifestyle group.   Spaletto will lead the growth of the Merrell, Chaco, CAT, Hush Puppies, and Sebago brands around the world. He brings 23 years of experience in branded apparel and footwear, and most recently served as president of The North Face, where he led the growth of this industry-leading global brand for six years.   

On the heels of disappointing financial results, Tiffany & Co. said that Frederic Cumenal has stepped down as CEO, effective immediately.    Cumenal, who had run the company since April 2015, is being succeeded on an interim basis by chairman and former CEO Michael Kowalski, while the company searches for a permanent replacement.    

Barneys New York has promoted its COO to the top job.   Daniella Vitale has been named chief executive officer of the New York-based upscale specialty retailer.    Vitale replaces Mark Lee, who is retiring and will assume the role executive chairman. Lee joined Barneys as chief executive in 2010. He is credited with turning the business around. Lee previously served as CEO of Gucci, and also held positions at Yves Saint Laurent, Armani and Jill Sander. He started his career at Saks Fifth Avenue.