Human Resources

SANDPOINT, Idaho – Coldwater Creek has named a new president and chief merchandising officer.

Jill Brown Dean will replace Georgia Shonk Simmons, who announced her intention to retire.

Dean, who most recently served as president of Limited Too's tween brands division, will join the apparel brand on Feb. 14.

In related news, Jerome Jessup, currently EVP, creative director at the brand, was promoted to president and chief creative officer.

Dallas -- J.C. Penney on Monday unveiled a restructuring plan, which includes close five department stores and one home store, because they are no longer profitable enough. The retailer named William Ackman to its board after the activist investor became its biggest shareholder

Activist investor and hedge fund executive Bill Ackman has accomplished at J.C. Penney what he was unable to do at Target. He secured a seat on the department store retailer’s board after purchasing a bunch of shares and will now be able to push for strategies to increase shareholder value. Joining Ackman on the J.C. Penney board is another large shareholder, Steven Roth, chairman of Vornado Realty Trust.

Boynton Beach, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Darren Shepherd has been named general manager of its Boynton Beach Mall property.

In his new position, Shepherd will be responsible for overseeing operations, customer relations, retail development and security for the mall.

The challenge of spearheading Target’s entry into Canada will be handled by Tony Fisher. He was named president of Target Canada last week in a brief press release that offered little detail on his background or qualifications to lead the company’s efforts to open between 100 and 150 stores beginning in 2013. Here’s what Target had to say about Fisher.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. – The next chapter for CVS Caremark officially is under way as the company announced on Monday the next stage of its previously announced transition plan and officially named Larry Merlo, president and COO, as CEO, effective March. 1.

Tom Ryan, chairman, president and CEO, will remain nonexecutive chairman until his retirement at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders in May.

San Jose, Calif. -- Grubb & Ellis Co. announced that Robert Cook has joined the company as senior VP corporate services, based in the company’s San Jose office. 

Target plans to launch its new website before the 2011 holiday season as is looking for people to join the Target talent community as it builds a best-in-class multichannel shopping experience. That’s according to the retailer’s website interesting openings are listed along with dozens of testimonials of people who already work for the company.