C-SUITE

Marketing in the department store arena may be new for Rich Lennox, but he’s got plenty of retail marketing experience under his belt. The CMO for Toys “R” Us, who also served in the same capacity for Zales Corp., will take the marketing reins of Macy’s Inc., effective Sept. 15.   Lennox, 51, succeeds Martine Reardon, who left Macy’s in May. He will lead a branding and marketing strategy charge across all channels, reporting to president Jeff Gennette.  

Fred’s on Friday announced that it had promoted its VP pharmacy services, Timothy Liebmann, to the newly created position of COO pharmacy, effective immediately. Liebmann will be succeeding the company’s retiring executive VP pharmacy operations, Rick Chambers.  

Fred’s on Tuesday announced its new executive VP and chief merchandising and marketing officer, Mary Lou Gardner. Gardner will be replacing Bryan Pugh, who has resigned from the company, effective immediately.    

That didn’t take very long.    Barnes & Noble on Tuesday announced the abrupt departure of CEO Ronald D. Boire, who has held the position for just under a year.    In a short and bluntly-worded statement, the book-seller announced that its board had determined that Boire “was not a good fit for the organization and that it was in the best interests of all parties for him to leave the company.”      

Tilly’s has appointed Jon Kubo to serve in the company’s newly created position of chief digital officer, effective Aug. 15.   Kubo will oversee e-commerce and digital marketing to define a long-term vision for the specialty retailer’s digital commerce efforts and create consistency in digital consumer experiences across all interaction points.  

The chief executive of Hasbro Inc. has joined the board of directors of Gap Inc., effective Aug. 12.   The retailer said it is adding Brian D. Goldner to its board as the merchant focuses on its “next era of retail.” His appointment comes shortly after Gap posted a disappointing sales for the second quarter.   

Hhgregg continues to reshape its executive team.    The consumer electronics and appliance chain promoted Kevin Kovacs to CFO. He is assuming the role from Robert Riesbeck, who was recently appointed president and CEO. Since joining Hhgregg in 2009, Kovacs held the roles of VP/controller and director of tax and treasury   In other moves, Hhgregg promoted Sam Johnson to chief retail officer. Since joining Hhgregg in 2010, Johnson has served in the role of senior VP of stores.   

Hhgregg announced several key executive appointments. The news comes on the heels of the appointment of interim CEO Robert Riesbeck as permanent chief of the consumer electronics and appliance retailer.    The moves include the promotion of former VP of marketing and nine-year company veteran Chris Sutton to senior VP of marketing, with oversight for all marketing initiatives as well as Hhgregg’s growing e-commerce channel. Sutton previously worked in advertising and brand marketing for The Walt Disney Company.