Human Resources

Bentonville, Ark. -- The Walton Family Foundation revealed Wednesday that it will donate $50 million to Teach For America, a commitment that stands to nearly double the size of the organization’s teaching ranks.

The charity that was created by the founder of Wal-Mart Stores will mete out half of the funds over a three-year period, and will increase the number of teachers to 15,000 by 2015. The remaining half of the donation will support the training of existing Teach for America instructors in seven communities.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has awarded 10 students, ranging in age from 10 to 17, with a total of $10,000 in scholarship money for post-secondary education. In addition to the scholarships, Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization of each winner’s choice. 

Bentonville, Ark. -- A Wednesday report by Bloomberg said that Wal-Mart Stores has named Morten Knudsen as CFO for Asia, as the retailer recasts its leadership roles in the region amidst top-heavy turnover.

Knudsen, who was previously VP for corporate finance in Asia for Danone, takes the financial chief spot for Wal-Mart Asia effective Sept. 1.

Since May, Wal-Mart has lost Japanese chief Toru Noda and three of its top executives in China, including the CFO and COO Roland Lawrence and Rob Cissell, respectively.
 

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble announced that Miwa Messer has been named director of the Discover Great New Writers program. Established in 1990, the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers program has championed new talent and been a showcase for our commitment to new writers, the company reported.

Amsterdam -- The Tommy Hilfiger Group said Wednesday it has named John Ermatinger as CEO of the company's Asia business, effective Aug. 1.

Ermatinger was previously president of Gap Asia Pacific for two years and president of Gap Japan for three years. Under his leadership, Gap successfully launched the brand in China.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. said Tuesday that it has promoted its current Quality Food Centers division president Donna Giordano to president of the Ralphs Division.

Giordano, who has been based in Seattle with QFC, replaces Mike Donnelly, who was promoted to senior VP merchandising for Kroger. She will be based in Los Angeles.
 

Toronto -- Sears Canada, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corp., said Monday it has hired former Limited Brands online executive VP Steven Goldsmith as its executive VP merchandising, apparel and accessories.

The move comes after the resignation of Sears Canada CEO Dene Rogers and subsequent replacement by former Loblaw Cos. executive Calvin McDonald.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday promoted Donna Giordano to the role of president of the Ralphs division.

Giordano, 57, has been president of the company's Quality Food Centers division, based in Seattle, since 2002. She succeeds Mike Donnelly, who was recently promoted to SVP merchandising for Kroger.