Human Resources

New York -- Accessories retailer Vera Bradley has named former OfficeMax executive Thomas R. Giacalone as VP e-commerce.

"Growing our e-commerce business is a critical piece of our five-year strategic plan, and we are very fortunate to have someone of Tom Giacalone's background and caliber join Vera Bradley to lead this important function," said CEO Robert Wallstrom.

Vera Bradley has named former OfficeMax executive Thomas R. Giacalone as VP, e-commerce.

"Growing our e-commerce business is a critical piece of our five-year strategic plan, and we are very fortunate to have someone of Tom Giacalone's background and caliber join Vera Bradley to lead this important function," said CEO Robert Wallstrom.

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop said that Michael Shaffer has been appointed to the company’s board of directors.

Shaffer, 51, will serve as chairman of the audit committee and a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee. He is executive VP, COO and CFO for New York-based PVH Corp. where he oversees the retail division, treasury, corporate finance, information technology, and logistics services.

Build-A-Bear Workshop has appointed Michael Shaffer to the company’s board of directors.

Shaffer will serve as chairman of the audit committee and a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee. With Shaffer’s appointment, the board has eight members, six of whom, including Shaffer, are deemed independent by the board under New York Stock Exchange rules and other applicable regulations.

Hong Kong - Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. has named Cathy Marie Robinson as senior VP, global operations effective. Robinson has 24 years’ experience in operations, logistics and supply chain management at various retail companies, and since 2012 was senior VP, chief logistics officer at Toys “R” Us.

New York -- Ralph Lauren Corp. on Friday announced that Roger Farah, executive chairman, will retire at the end of May. He will remain on the company’s board until his terms expires in August. Farah, one of the retail industry’s most respected executives, is credited with turning Ralph Lauren into a global powerhouse.

Woodland Hills, Calif. — NewMark Merrill Companies has announced that Heather Danko and Danielle Bovard have received the Certified Marketing Director designation from the International Council of Shopping Centers.

The CMD designation is awarded for expertise in multiple disciplines including marketing management, research, marketing plan implementation, public and community relations, advertising, and media buying.

Ralph Lauren’s executive vice chairman Roger Farah plans to leave the company at the end of the month. Farah will remain on the board of directors until the expiration of his term on the date of the company’s 2014 annual meeting of stockholders in August.