Human Resources

It's official: Crate and Barrel has confirmed that CEO Doug Diemoz has left the company.   Crate and Barrel announced Tuesday that board chair Neela Montgomery will become the new chief executive, effective August 1. In the interim, Montgomery will continue in her current position, working closely with Crate and Barrel president and chief merchant Steve 'Woody' Woodward, and COO Mike Relich.  

BJ's Wholesale Club has tapped two experienced retailers to drive its digital innovation and omnichannel strategy.    BJ's announced that Scott Kessler has been named executive VP, CIO, effective immediately. He succeeds Peter Amalfi, who plans to retire later this year.  

Beefing up its digital officer’s responsibilities is one of many changes that Office Depot has made in its leadership team.   Kevin Moffitt was named chief digital officer. This new role, which builds off of his current position as senior VP, e-commerce, will focus on all of the company’s digital-related activities. He will be responsible for transforming Office Depot’s digital platforms, driving digital strategy and innovation and accelerating the company’s online and mobile growth.  

Starbucks is keeping good on its latest national initiative.    The coffee giant said it will open a store in Dallas, in spring 2018, and Trenton, New Jersey, later this year, as part of its program to invest in at least 15 underserved communities across the U.S. by 2018. To date, Starbucks has opened six similar stores, including in Ferguson, Missouri, central Phoenix, and East Baltimore.  

Staples has added a new marketing leader to its executive team.   Michelle Bottomley has been appointed chief marketing officer. In this role, she will be responsible for marketing across Staples, and helping to promote the company’s focus on its North American Delivery business. She will report to Staples’ CEO and president Shira Goodman.  

Amid slumping first quarter sales, Signet Jewelers on Thursday announced the first phase of the strategic outsourcing of its in-house credit program, in partnerships with Alliance Data and Progressive Leasing, a subsidiary of Aaron's.  

Amazon is beefing up the team responsible for its grocery store concept.    According to a job description on LinkedIn, the company is looking for an "innovative" store designer to join its Amazon Go ACE (Architecture, Construction & Engineering) team. The ideal candidate, according to the posting, is a "self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and has a deep passion for innovative retail design."  

Walmart is expanding—and updating—its footprint in the Sunshine State.   The retailer will open nine new stores across Florida in its current fiscal year, creating more than 800 jobs, and also execute a multi-million-dollar capital investment plan by remodeling more than 40 locations across the state. Walmart currently operates 375 stores in Florida.