Human Resources

CINCINNATI — Kroger has promoted Jeff Burt, formerly group VP perishables, merchandising and procurement, to president of the company's Central division. Kroger's Central Division operates 136 food stores primarily in Indiana and Illinois.

Mr. Burt, 50, has been group vice president of perishables merchandising and procurement since 2010. He succeeds Bob Moeder, who recently announced his plans to retire this spring.

Home Depot expects to be busy this spring and is hiring 80,000 seasonal employees, 10,000 more than last year, to keep pace with the demand.

The hiring announcement by Home Depot follows a similar announcement by Lowe’s two weeks earlier that it planned to hire 45,000 seasonal employees. The increased hiring levels suggest the nation’s two largest home improvement retailers are optimistic about consumers demand amid a recovery in the housing market.

Washington -- President Obama has selected Sally Jewell, president and CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc., to lead the Interior Department, White House officials said Wednesday.

Jewell, a former banker and Mobile Oil Corp. executive, is an outdoors enthusiast and conservation advocate. She joined the board of REI in 1996, and was appointed COO in 2000. In 2005, she was named CEO. The outdoor retailer expanded significantly under her leadership, and now generates some $2 billion in annual revenues.

SEATTLE — Sally Jewell, CEO of REI, has been nominated as Secretary of the Interior. 

Sally has led REI as CEO since 2005 and during that time has provided steady leadership for the co-op and its thoughtful growth. During her tenure REI has increased sales from $1 billion to nearly $2 billion, added 71 stores, and greatly expanded its online business. Under Sally's leadership, the company has been named annually to Fortune Magazine's list of the Best Companies to Work For.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold has appointed the former head of one of its European supermarket chains to an executive position in its U.S. division.

Ahold USA said it appointed Jan van Dam as EVP supply chain and e-commerce, in which he will focus on supply chain for the company's four U.S. divisions, Stop & Shop in the New York area and New England, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle. He will also be responsible for the company's e-commerce business with Andrew Parkinson, president and general manager of online grocery company Peapod, reporting to him.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. announced the promotion of Jeff Burt as president of the company's Central division. Kroger's Central Division operates 136 food stores primarily in Indiana and Illinois.

Burt, 50, has been group VP of perishables merchandising and procurement since 2010. He succeeds Bob Moeder, who recently announced his plans to retire this spring.

New York -- Aeropostale announced the retirement of president Michael Cunningham, effective March 29. He will remain on the board of directors.

St. Louis -- Panera Bread Company announced that Roger C. Matthews, Jr., has been appointed Panera's EVP and CFO, effective March 18.

Matthews most recently served as managing director and sector head of the U.S. Restaurant Industry in Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division.

Pat Kelly, who has served as Panera's Interim CFO since April 2012, will remain in place until the end of March to ensure a smooth transition.