News

By Chris Stoneff, Lieberman Software

My experience in cyber security tells me that the retail sector probably represents the most fertile ground for cyber criminals. That's because professional hackers understand that retail has never focused on IT security to the extent seen in other industries (like banks or payment processors) that handle customer payment card data.

New York -- Amazon said that senior VP and CFO Thomas J. Szkutak plans to retire in June 2015. Brian T. Olsavsky, VP finance for Amazon’s global consumer business, will succeed Szkutak. Szkutak and Olsavsky will work together during the next 10 months as part of the transition.

Szkutak joined Amazon in 2002 as CFO, and oversees the controller, treasury, investor relations, tax, internal audit and facilities functions as well as financial management of the company’s business units.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch has reportedly settled a shareholder lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Columbus, Ohio, regarding its pay of CEO Michael Jeffries, who has received more than $140 million in compensation since 2007. According to Reuters, the settlement with City of Plantation Police Officers' Employees' Retirement System involves no payment to the plaintiff.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. - Kohl’s Department Stores and multiplatform media company AwesomenessTV have launched a partnership to launch S.o. R.a.d., a seven capsule limited-edition junior’s fashion line and “Life’s S.o. R.a.d.,” an original four-season YouTube series featuring top teen influencers. The first S.o. R.a.d. junior’s capsule will launch at Kohl’s and Kohls.com on Sept. 22.

Clearwater, Fla. - MarineMax Inc. has expanded its financing facility to provide for borrowings of up to $235 million. The expanded facility has a three-year term, expiring in August 2017, and it has two, one-year options to renew, subject to lender approval.

Amazon has confirmed that SVP and CFO Thomas J. Szkutak plans to retire from the company in June 2015. Succeeding him will be Brian T. Olsavsky, VP of finance for the company’s global consumer business, reporting to founder and CEO Jeffrey P. Bezos.

Szkutak has been Amazon’s CFO since joining the company in October 2002 and oversees the controller, treasury, investor relations, tax, internal audit and facilities functions as well as financial management of the company’s business units.

RetailMeNot has named former eBay executive Michael Jones as SVP of retailer and brand solutions as it seeks to grow its footprint.

Jones spent the last four years serving as VP of merchant development at eBay, where he was responsible for building and developing the company's business relationships with some of the largest brands and retailers in the world and growing the business of its largest customers. His responsibilities included sales, business development, merchant relations and operations for eBay's marketplace business.

QVC’s Claire Watts has resigned from her role as CEO of U.S. operations, effective Friday, Sept. 5, to pursue other opportunities.

CVS Caremark is changing its corporate name to CVS Health to reflect its broader health care commitment and its expertise in driving the innovations needed to shape the future of health.

Filip Technologies, developer of FiLIP, a wearable phone and locator for kids, has appointed former MapQuest executive Patrick McDevitt as SVP of engineering.

McDevitt will be in charge of the overall direction and growth of the company’s software engineering team as the company develops the next generation of wearable products for kids. He will report directly to Jonathan Peachey, CEO of Filip Technologies.