Human Resources

SEATTLE — REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) announced that retail and outdoor industry veteran Eric Artz will join the company as chief financial officer in May. Artz comes to REI from Urban Outfitters.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. said Thursday that Steve Haber will join the company as senior VP and president, Home Appliances.

Haber was previously executive VP at Sony Electronics, leading the Product to Consumer Marketing and the Home and Digital Reading business divisions.
 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Food Marketing Institute on Thursday named Hannah Walker director of government relations to represent food retailers on Capitol Hill.

Philadelphia -- Urban Outfitters said Wednesday that CFO Eric Artz is leaving the company, and will be replaced by current chief accounting officer Frank Conforti, effective April 3.

No reason has been given for Artz’s departure, other than he plans to return to the west coast.

Urban Outfitters operates under the Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, Terrain and Urban Outfitters brands.

Awkward. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal included former Target director of design partnerships Brian Robinson on its annual 40 under 40 series, which looks at up-and-coming business leaders. In Robinson’s case, he is an up-and-comer who has already went – to JCPenney – but will reportedly be based in Minneapolis.

All retailers want to be perceived as great places to work and build a career as it aids in recruitment and retention of employees in an industry where costs associated with notoriously high rates of turnover cause a drag on performance.

New York -- Commercial real estate firm MPI announced the promotion of Andrea Olshan to CEO.

Michael Makinen has been promoted to COO and Ryan Guheen has been named senior VP asset management.

Prior to the appointment of CEO, Olshan served as MPI's COO and was responsible for the operations of the company portfolio, investment activity and external fund investments. She replaces David Lukes, who saw MPI through the reorganization of its corporate offices and senior staff.

WILTON, Conn. — Skin care company Beiersdorf, whose brands include Nivea, Eucerin and Aquaphor, has announced changes to its sales organization.

Tina Jackse has been promoted to the newly created position of VP global sales of Walmart, where she will be responsible for all Walmart business internationally. She will work collaboratively across the Beiersdorf affiliates around the world to help lead, develop and further strengthen Beiersdorf’s Walmart business globally.