OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Cupertino, Calif. – Apple Inc. has reportedly hired Marcela Aguilar, senior global director of marketing communications for Gap Inc., to be its new director of global marketing communications, according to AdAge. Aguilar, who has worked at Gap since 2011, is credited as helping to drive the company’s resurgence in brand awareness, especially among Millennials.

Learn about emerging brands on the cusp of break-out success and formerly solid brands in need of a reset in this exclusive report, More Climbers & Fallers.

A digital follow-up to Chain Store Age’s annual State of the Industry Report from Interbrand Design Forum, the report sheds light on retailers who know how to connect with customers in a transforming marketplace.

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North Bergen, N.J. - Tony Truesdale, who has served as CEO of Vitamin Shoppe Inc. since 2006, has announced his intent to retire on June 27, 2015 to spend more time with his family and his external board work. The board of directors of the Vitamin Shoppe will be commencing a search for a new CEO, which will include both internal and external candidates, who will then implement the next stages of the company's long-term growth plans.

Woonsocket, R.I. - Mary Langowski has been named executive VP for strategy, policy and market development for CVS Health, effective Oct. 14. In this role, Langowski will direct CVS Health's strategy and market development functions, with a focus on identifying and expanding enterprise opportunities to new markets.

Her portfolio will also include leading the company's government affairs and policy development teams at the state and federal level, providing strategic counsel.

New York -- Target Corp. is extending its mobile strategy with two new options. The retailer has adopted Like2Buy, a platform that enables the chain’s Instagram followers to easily buy products featured in photos from participating brands. Target also is integrating the software for Apple’s new mobile payments service, Apple Pay, into its mobile app.

Boca Raton, Fla. - Jeffrey Smith, CEO of investment firm Starboard Value LLP, has resigned from Office Depot’s board of directors, effective immediately. The nominating and governance committee will commence a search for a replacement.

Smith, who joined the board in August 2013 to help Office Depot smoothly transition to a new combined company with OfficeMax and find a new CEO, said he is leaving because he is satisfied that Office Depot has reached both goals.

New York -- With just 105 shopping days left until Christmas (as of Sept. 10), Toys “R” Us outlined its holiday strategy at a preview event in New York City. Among the highlights: free online layaway, enhanced loyalty program, improved online and in-store checkout, and two new in-store shops.  
    
“Our focus at Toys “R” Us for the 2014 holiday season is to make it easy for customers to shop with us, both in-store and online,” said Hank Mullany, president, Toys “R” Us, U.S.

Atlanta – A Home Depot customer has reportedly filed a lawsuit against The Home Depot Inc. alleging the retailer did not properly protect consumer data from the recent cyber attack that occurred. According to Reuters, Illinois resident Kelsey O’Brien filed the suit Sept. 9 in Chicago federal court.