Human Resources

Bharti Walmart, Walmart's joint venture in India, has reportedly ended plans to start online operations and has fired Dippankar Halder, who was in charge of the division.

However, a spokeswoman for the company, according to The Economic Times, denied the reports and said that Bharti Walmart will continue to serve its members multiple ways, including through the e-commerce channel.

ATLANTA — Aaron's, a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, announced that Hubert Harris, Jr., has been elected to its board of directors. Harris is the former CEO of Invesco North America.

Arlington, Va. -- In letters sent to President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, the Retail Industry Leaders Association urged both to consider the retail industry’s prominent role in the U.S. economy as they advance their visions for the future.

The letter was signed by Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and CEO and Sandra L. Kennedy, RILA president. Steinhafel serves as chairman of the RILA board of directors. 

Elmwood Park, N.J. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services said it has promoted David E. Thurston to associate VP investments.

Most recently, Thurston held the title of senior associate in the New Jersey office. He began his career at Marcus & Millichap in 1999 as the regional manager of the New Jersey office.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners announced two new hires in the Houston office.

Scott Gardner and Chris Pitts have both joined the team as VPs.Both joined SRS from UCR Moody Rambin Page.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Trianz, a global consulting and turnkey execution services firm with clients in the retail space, has expanded its leadership team. Trianz has appointed Joanne Mack, VP consulting, to its leadership team and also expanded its U.S. presence by recently opening an office in New York City.

Hingham, Mass. -- Private equity firm Sycamore Partners, which has wrapped up its $391 million acquisition of The Talbots, appointed Michael Archbold, formerly president and COO of Vitamin Shoppe, as CEO and CFO of Talbots. Archbold, who also served as executive VP and CFO of Saks Fifth Avenue, replaces Trudy Sullivan, who resigned from the CEO’s job after Sycamore completed its acquisition of Talbots late last week.

Gouverneur, N.Y. -- Kinney Drugs Inc. said Tuesday it has promoted Jim Spencer from his current position as VP retail operations to COO, effective immediately.

Spencer, who joined Kinney Drugs in 2010, will oversee retail and pharmacy store operations and the retail merchandising department.