Human Resources

New York -- Jones Lang LaSalle has opened an office in Honolulu’s retail district.

“Robust real estate fundamentals across all asset classes makes Hawaii a top locale for investors, developers and retailers,” said Kirk Horiuchi, senior VP and Hawaii retail market lead.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate has dropped to 5% and is projected to fall further by year-end and boost consumer spending and the retail economy.

In advance of the Walmart-led U.S. Manufacturing Summit held in Orlando, Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon wrote an op-ed piece for the Huffington Post titled, "Reviving U.S. Manufacturing Key to Rebuilding the Middle Class." In it, Simon alludes to the vanishing middle class — which found themselves jobless as products once produced in the U.S.

By Kathy Gersch, VP at Kotter International [email protected]

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has appointed Tom Williams to SVP of store operations and human resources, replacing Ken Haverkost.

Haverkost announced his retirement as EVP of store operations, a position he held since joining the company in 2007. He will remain a part-time employee through March 2014 to assist in the transition process.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores named Tom Williams as senior VP of store operations and human resources. He replaces Ken Haverkost, who is retiring effective Aug.31.

In addition to retaining his current responsibilities overseeing all corporate human resources functions for Jo-Ann, Williams will assume responsibility for leading the store operations organization, covering more than 18,000 employees and more than 800 stores. He will continue to serve as chairman of the company’s benefits advisory committee

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Gene McCarthy as president of the Merrell brand. 

"Gene McCarthy is a visionary leader with a passion for brands and consumers," said Blake W. Krueger, chairman, CEO, and president of Wolverine Worldwide. "Merrell has been and continues to be a leader in the outdoor space and a jewel within the Wolverine portfolio — I am thrilled to have Gene join the Merrell team as it continues its drive to be the first billion-dollar-brand in our Company's history."

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ZAANDAM, Netherlands — Dutch supermarket-operating company Ahold has appointed Abbe Luersman as the company’s chief human resources officer.

Ahold said that Luersman, who will report to CEO Dick Boer, will assume the new position on Nov. 1. Ahold's U.S. division operates the Stop & Shop, Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa., and Giant Food of Landover, Md., supermarket banners, as well as the Peapod online grocery service.