Human Resources

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands' End has announced the promotion of Tim Martin to COO/CFO, and Chris Kolbe to brand president.  

As the leader of operations and finance for Lands' End, Martin will oversee all aspects of financial planning and inventory management for the brand's global business. He most recently served as SVP, CFO.

Johannesburg, South Africa — A Bloomberg report on Sunday said that Massmart Holdings Ltd., the South African retailer controlled by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will open 23 new outlets over the next eight months, part of its plan to not only expand its coverage area but also to add jobs in the region. The plan calls for 15,000 jobs over the next three years.

The retailer also said it will repeat a price-cut promotion at its stores.

Dodgeville, Wis. -- Lands' End  announced the promotion of Tim Martin to COO and CFO and Chris Kolbe to brand president.  

Martin most recently served as senior VP, CFO. Kolbe most recently served as chief merchandising and design officer for Lands' End.

LOS ANGELES — Les Hamilton, who most recently managed the Target account for all over-the-counter products for The Emerson Group, has been named VP Sales at Hyland, another OTC manucturer.  In his new role, Hamilton will be responsible for guiding the company’s sales organization and developing and implementing sales strategy.

CHICAGO -- SMS Assist announced that Matthew Pitts has been named COO of the technology- driven facilities maintenance company.

Pitts previously served as VP of building services for The Home Depot. During his two decade career at the home improvement chain, Pitts created retailer’s highly regarded in-house facilities management organization, overseeing more than 2,000 stores and more than $1 billion in annual facilities maintenance spend.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Company is teaming up with the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)  to launch a “Create Jobs for USA” fund. 

Starting Nov.1, the new initiative will pool donations from Starbucks customers, partners (employees) and citizens into a nationwide fund for community business lending. One-hundred percent of the donations will go toward loans for firms and organizations that can add jobs or stem job losses, Starbucks said. 

Birmingham, Ala. -- Books-A-Million said Thursday it has appointed Tyler Novak as general counsel.

Novak will be responsible for overseeing all the company's legal affairs, including general corporate legal matters, intellectual property and corporate compliance, and will report to Clyde B. Anderson, chairman and CEO.
 

By Tommy Thompson, [email protected]

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates 16,360 structure fires occurred annually in stores and other mercantile properties from 2004 to 2008 resulting in $648 million in direct property damage.

Fires affect thousands of retailers each year resulting in injury, lost customer trust and building damage. Establishing a fire prevention and preparedness program is critical to the safety of retail employees and customers.”