Human Resources

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that Jeff Balagna will join the company as executive VP and CIO. In his new role, Balagna who most recently served as CIO at Eli Lilly, will be responsible for all technology and infrastructure initiatives for the company in its support centers and in-store.
   

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings has appointed former Eli Lilly CIO Jeff Balagna as its new EVP and CIO. In his new role, Balagna will be responsible for all technology and infrastructure initiatives for the company in its support centers and in-store.

Philadelphia -- Wet Seal Inc. agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a federal racial discrimination lawsuit that accused retailer of firing black employees because they didn’t fit the retailer’s “brand image.”
   
The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund represented the plaintiffs in the class-action effort. The lawsuit alleged that former top Wet Seal executives denied equal pay and promotion opportunities to black store managers or removed them outright, replacing them with white employees.

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark has named Karen Leets as its new VP and treasurer, succeeding Nancy Loewe, who will continue to serve as the company's chief strategy officer. Leets will report to SVP and CFO Mark A. Buthman.

In her new role, Leets will be responsible for the entire treasury practice at Kimberly-Clark, including capital markets, cash planning, global cash and foreign exchange management, real estate and banking and rating agency relationship management.

LOS ANGELES — Bebe has appointed former Limited executive Keith Keegan as SVP of marketing. In his new role, Keegan will lead all aspects of marketing and branding across all channels of the business. He will report to CEO Steve Birkhold.

Los Angeles -- Bebe Stores, Inc. is naming Keith Keegan as senior VP of marketing, effective May 13. Keegan will be in charge of all aspects of marketing and branding across all Bebe brands and report to CEO Steve Birkhold.

Previously, Keegan has worked for Abercrombie and Fitch, Limited, and Express and most recently served as VP of marketing and creative director for American Eagle and the Aerie brand.

CHICAGO — The Hillshire Brands Company has appointed David W. Stahl as its new CIO. Stahl will oversee all IT strategy and planning activities and will provide executive leadership and direction for IT. He will report to Maria Henry, CFO.

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 606 3456 LF 28 6 4244 12.0