OfficeMax

Naperville Ill. -- OfficeMax announced Thursday that Steve Parsons has been named executive VP and chief human resources officer for the office supply chain, effective July 25.

Parsons will report to Ravi Saligram, president and CEO, and will be responsible for all aspects of global human resources for the company, including talent management, compensation and benefits, training, leadership development, recruitment, diversity, and internal and corporate communications.

Most recently, Parsons was senior VP human resources at Rite Aid Corp.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax announced that Steve Parsons has been appointed EVP and chief human resources officer, effective July 25.  In this position, Parsons will report to Ravi Saligram, president and CEO of OfficeMax, and will be responsible for all aspects of global human resources for the company, including talent management, compensation and benefits, training, leadership development, recruitment, diversity, and internal and corporate communications.

Walmart could be put at a competitive disadvantage in Brazil if a bizarre merger between the company’s two larger rivals proceeds and secures regulatory approval.

The nation’s two largest retailers, Pao de Acucar and France-based Carrefour are attempting to merge their operations in a convoluted deal that has drawn the ire of fellow French retailer Casino, which owns a large stake in Pao de Acucar. 

ROANOKE, Va. — Advance Auto Parts announced that Jim Durkin will join Autopart International as president. 

“Jim is an experienced executive with a great track record of success in delivering results by building and developing strong teams that sustain their performance over time. We are very excited about the leadership skills he will bring as we continue our growth,” said Roger Patkin, CEO of AI.

Target is among the key sponsors of a Kids in Need Foundation event slated for this fall in Minneapolis. The company, along with fellow Minneapolis-based supplier 3M, is supporting the organization’s annual cocktail reception and fundraising dinner to be held September 21 at The Depot from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The guest speaker at the event is former OfficeMax chairman and CEO Sam Duncan.

NAPERVILLE, Ill.  -- OfficeMax announced that it has been recognized as a JDA Software Group 2011 Real Results Winner for best in demand management. Now in its sixth year, the Real Results Awards recognize companies that have demonstrated business-process excellence and achieved quantifiable benefits through the adoption of industry best practices and use of JDA's industry-leading solutions and services, according to a company press release. OfficeMax was honored at FOCUS 2011, JDA's annual user conference in Orlando, Florida, May 1 to 4.

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax has been recognized as a JDA Software Group  2011 Real Results Winner for Best in Demand Management.

Now in its sixth year, the Real Results Awards recognize companies that have demonstrated business-process excellence and achieved quantifiable benefits through the adoption of industry best practices and use of JDA's industry-leading solutions and services. OfficeMax was honored at Focus 2011, JDA's annual user conference in Orlando, Florida, May 1-4, 2011.

The consulting firm Gravitytank named Bob Thacker as a strategic advisor to help the firm’s consumer electronics, retail, consumer packaged goods and technology clients. Thacker most recently served as SVP of marketing and advertising at OfficeMax and was with Target from 1989 to 1998 as a VP of marketing. He also served as president and CEO of BBDO in Minneapolis and served as an SVP of marketing at Sears.