Human Resources

ATLANTA — Red Book Connect, a global, cloud-based software solutions company serving the broader retail and restaurant industries, has appointed Arnab Sur as SVP of global sales, a previously unfilled position since the formation of the company in January 2013.

Columbus, Ohio – John C. Martin, executive VP and chief merchandising officer of Big Lots Inc., intends to retire his position with the company. Martin will continue in his current capacity until his successor is appointed, and he has committed to provide guidance through May 2014.

Big Lots has retained SpencerStuart to conduct a search of external candidates to succeed Martin.

Huntington Beach, Calif. -- Retailers are eying mobile devices as the best route to make the most of their digital marketing campaigns.

According to the latest research by Shop.org/Forrester, in the study “The State Of Retailing Online 2013: Marketing & Merchandising,” 87% of online retailers either already have implemented or are planning to implement mobile email optimization in 2013, and seven in 10 will optimize paid search for smartphones and tablets (71% and 73%, respectively).

Seattle – Twelve deaf consumers are suing Starbucks over what they claim was harassment at the hands of employees of a lower Manhattan Starbucks store on March 7, 2013.

Deerfield Park, Ill. -- Walgreens has named Mark Lelinski as its new corporate VP, market access. Lelinski will be responsible for contracting and pricing strategies, integration efforts across Walgreens pharmacy, health and wellness division, sales and account management, and developing the company’s managed market strategies.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots EVP and CMO John C. Martin has announced his plans to retire. He will remain with the company until his successor is appointed, and has committed to provide guidance to his successor and the company through May 2014.  

Big Lots has retained SpencerStuart to conduct a search of external potential candidates.

Oak Brook, Ill. – McDonald’s has signed a contract with Vietnamese businessman Henry Nguyen to serve as a developmental licensee for the company in Vietnam.

Nguyen, founder of Good Day Hospitality and managing partner of IDG Ventures Vietnam as well as a former part-time McDonald’s store employee in the U.S., is expected to open Vietnam’s first McDonald’s restaurant in Ho Chi Min City in early 2014.

IRVINE, Calif. — Sanuk, a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, has made changes to its sales and marketing teams. The company has appointed Jeff Booth as its core national sales manager and Tommy Campagne as its core marketing manager.