Human Resources

Los Angeles -- Guess announced Monday that it has appointed Nancy Shachtman as its president of North America, reporting to Paul Marciano, CEO and vice chairman.

Shactman was previously president of Guess Inc. Wholesale. In her new position, she will oversee the North American retail operations for Guess and Guess by Marciano, as well as Guess Wholesale, including Mexico.

New York City -- American Eagle Outfitters is looking for a new chief executive, the Wall Street Journal reported.

James O'Donnell, 70, has been CEO since 2003 and is said to be retiring, according to the report. Chairman Jay Schottenstein, a longtime retailer who also chairs the board of discount footwear chain DSW, is heading the board's search. Schottenstein was CEO of the company from 1992 to 2002.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- GE Home & Business Solutions announced that Maryrose Sylvester has been named president and CEO of GE Lighting, a global industry leader in lighting, systems and services for commercial, industrial and residential use. 

Sylvester, who will report to GE Appliances & Lighting president amd CEO James Campbell, succeeds Michael Petras who has led GE Lighting since 2008. Petras is leaving GE to take a position outside of the company. 

Asheville, N.C. -- Ingles Markets announced Monday that its founder and CEO Robert P. Ingle died on Sunday at age 77.

Ingle founded the company in 1965 and served as chairman of the board from 1965 until May 2004 and thereafter has served as a director. He has served as CEO since 1965, and president from 1965 until 1982.

His son Robert P. Ingle II has been named his successor.
 

New York City -- The Conference Board’s Employment Trends Index, released Monday, increased in February for the fifth consecutive month.

According to the Conference Board, the index now stands at 101.7, up from January’s revised figure of 100.1. The index is up over 8% from a year ago.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Walmart’s U.S. VP of benefits, Chris McSwain, was elected chairman of the Integrated Benefits Institute, the organization announced Monday.

“Chris McSwain has played an important leadership role in the health benefits community, and we look forward to his continued leadership with IBI,” said Thomas Parry, president of the non-profit health and productivity research organization.

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige Brands on Friday named Paul Hennessey VP operations.

“[Hennessey’s] background in over-the-counter consumer products is a terrific match for our company,” stated Prestige president and CEO Matthew Mannelly. “As we continue to grow and become even more customer and consumer focused in OTC, [Hennessey’s] leadership skills and extensive experience in supply chain manufacturing will serve our brands and our company well."