C-SUITE

Still on the hunt for a new chief executive, Pier 1 Imports has tapped its chairman to serve in the role on an interim basis.     The home furnishings and décor retailer has appointed Terry E. London, chairman of the board, to the position of interim president and CEO. His appointment takes effect on January 1, 2017, in conjunction with the planned departure of Alex W. Smith, the current president and CEO of Pier I, on December 31, 2016.  

Stephen Tucker has been appointed as FTD Companies’ new executive VP.   Tucker will also serve as CFO, replacing Becky Sheehan, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. He will take on the new role as of Jan. 1, 2017.   

Lululemon athletica inc. has promoted Celeste Burgoyne to executive VP, retail, Americas, effective immediately.    Burgoyne has been with lululemon since 2006 and most recently served as senior VP, retail, North America where she was responsible for overseeing all Canadian and U.S. retail. She started her career with Abercrombie & Fitch, where she held various positions during her ten years with the company, including most recently, senior director of stores.  

Altar'd State, a fast-growing women's fashion brand with more than 70 stores, has added to its senior leadership team with two retail veterans.   John Buell has joined Altar'd State as senior VP, CFO. Buell is a 13-year Limited Stores veteran, having most recently served as Interim CEO. Prior to joining Limited, Buell spent 15 years at Sears, Roebuck, and Co.   

The food safety crisis that took the wind out of the sails of formerly high-flying Chipotle Mexican Grill has finally taken a toll on the chain’s executive suite.   The chain announced that Monty Moran has stepped down as co-CEO and from his board seat, effective immediately. Chipotle founder Steve Ells, currently co-CEO, will be the sole chief executive. He will also remain chairman.   

President-elect Donald Trump will name Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, as labor secretary, according to several media reports.   Puzder, whose company operates the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s burger retail chains, has argued against raising the minimum wage to more than $9 per hour. He also has been an advocate of cutting back or eliminating regulations he claims have been a detriment to the restaurant industry and has been critical of the Affordable Care Act.  

Todd Sprinkle has been appointed CIO at QVC.   Sprinkle, who served as the company’s VP, IT strategy, planning and effectiveness, will now oversee QVC's global IT organization spanning the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy, France and China, and at QVC's global business service operation in Poland.     Under his leadership, QVC’s IT team will continue delivering a seamless and engaging multi-platform experience for customers and team members, globally.