Artificial Intelligence

BRISBANE, Calif. — Bebe has named global entrepreneur Narry Singh to the company’s board of directors. 

Singh has been an entrepreneur, hands-on executive, adviser and deal-maker for more than 20 years, with a focus on launching and growing businesses in the digital entertainment, new media, e-commerce and software sectors. Singh was recently selected by the United Nations Foundation as one of their Top 10 “Global Entrepreneurs” and will serve as their entrepreneurship and innovation ambassador for two years.

Westboro, Mass. -- MICROS-Retail, a division of Micros Systems, announced BJ's Wholesale's successful launch of Micros-Retail's next generation loss prevention and business analytics solution, XBR Ingenium.
   
As an existing user of MICROS-Retail's XBR, BJ's launched a pilot of XBR Ingenium.  After a successful program, BJ's is now deploying Micros-Retail XBR Ingenium company-wide, seeking to increase the investigative capabilities and productivity of its asset protection team.

New York -- With 25% of annual flower sales (for an estimated $1.9 billion) tied to Mother’s Day, it’s no wonder the holiday looms large for 1-800-Flowers. IBM is helping the retailer simplify Mother’s Day gift-giving for its digital customers no matter where or how they shop, including through the website, with a mobile device or via social media.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — DunnhumbyUSA, a global leader in building brand value for consumer goods and retail companies, has made changes to its Cincinnati-based senior leadership.

The company has hired Ernest Leffler as VP of global infrastructure and Michele Weissman as VP of client solutions. The company has also promoted Jack Engle to the role of SVP of global products and services.

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.

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ATLANTA — Elavon, a leading global payments provider and wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, has promoted Simon Haslam to the position of president and CEO. Haslam succeeds Mike Passilla, who recently departed the company.

Haslam joined Elavon in 2005 and was president of Elavon International Markets. He is credited with leading Elavon’s successful expansion throughout Europe, South America and Latin America, including the company’s recently completed joint venture with Banco Santander.

DALLAS — HoneyBaked has entered into a software licensing agreement with PeopleAnswers. Under the agreement, the food retailer will leverage the PeopleAnswers HR-focused business solution to upgrade its recruiting process and increase employee retention and performance in its 111 company-owned stores.