Atlanta — Krystal Restaurants LLC, the original home of the slider in the South, has hired seasoned restaurant and hospitality leader Jermaine Walker is its new vice president of operations. The legacy brand has been undergoing aggressive growth plans, having opened its first international location last year and continues on this trajectory with a new restaurant that opened in Alabama last month and more on the way. “I am honored to join Krystal and be part of their expansion efforts,” says Walker. “I’ve spent my career supporting companies in their …
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Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s Corporation and its board of directors have unanimously appointed Tom Kingsbury as chief executive officer, effective February 2, 2023. Kingsbury has served as interim CEO since December 2, 2022. He will continue to serve on the company’s board. “Tom’s exceptional track record growing retail businesses and his deep knowledge of Kohl’s makes him the right choice for Kohl’s next CEO. Since joining the board, Tom has added valuable insight and perspective, and as interim CEO, he has demonstrated strong leadership and made a meaningful and …
Encino, Calif. — Gelson’s has promoted John Bagan to president and CEO following the departure of Rob McDougall, who has retired from Gelson’s after 15 years with the Southern California-based brand. The new leadership position marks Bagan’s third promotion in 2 years, most recently moving from COO into the role of president in July 2022. As president and CEO, Bagan will assume greater responsibility for the company’s overall vision, business and growth strategy, as well as managing relationships with the board of directors and parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings …
Chicago — Crate & Barrel Holdings, Inc. (CBH) has hired Mike Brewer as the chief operating officer. Brewer brings a broad range of experience, including 20 years at Nike, Inc. where he served in a variety of roles spanning sourcing, manufacturing and supply chain. Starting February 1, 2023, Brewer will oversee operations for CBH’s entire portfolio of industry-leading brands that includes Crate & Barrel, CB2, Crate & Kids and Hudson Grace. “I look forward to the leadership and expertise Mike will bring to CBH with his customer-centric and purpose-driven mindset,” …
San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has made 4 internal leadership updates that will further strengthen the business strategy and efficiencies of the Pottery Barn brands as well as the company’s global business and marketing departments. “Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is known for developing leaders and attracting the best talent in the industry,” says Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “These leadership moves, coupled with our recent appointment of Day Kornbluth as the new president of West Elm, positions us with an incredibly strong team.” Pottery Barn’s president, Marta Benson, will …
San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has appointed Day Kornbluth as president of West Elm. Kornbluth is an established leader in retail and in the home business, building brands through product and digital innovation. She most recently served as the global brand president of Ralph Lauren Home. In her new role as president of West Elm, Kornbluth will report to Laura Alber and join the brand on April 3, 2023. “Day’s proven track-record and previous success growing home furnishing brands make her the ideal candidate to run the West Elm brand,” …
Chesapeake, Va. — Mike Witynski, who has been in leadership positions at Dollar Tree since 2010 and served as CEO since 2020, is stepping down from the Dollar Tree board and leaving the company. Dollar Tree, Inc. has named a new executive chairman, Rick Dreiling, who will expand his role to assume the position of chief executive officer, effective January 29. “The opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated team at Dollar Tree has been the most rewarding of my career,” says Witynski. “During this especially dynamic period, we …
Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE, the 340-unit coffee concept, has welcomed industry veteran Michele Waits as chief marketing officer. Waits has 25 years in brand management and more than 11 years in coffee marketing as a vice president for Starbucks. In addition to Starbucks, Waits has worked with brands such as Gerber and illycaffè. “Michele brings a remarkable professional history to the BIGGBY® COFFEE team,” says Michael McFall, co-founder and co-CEO. “As we work to drive the brand forward, her insights will empower the marketing team to connect with our …
Annapolis, Md. — Annapolis Town Center, a premier shopping lifestyle destination, has added Christi Swanson as its new general manager. Swanson will manage all aspects of Annapolis Town Center, including marketing, operations, business development, events and property upgrades. Swanson is a retail industry expert with almost 20 years of experience holding various roles in guest experience, marketing and property management. Her expertise is helping emerging retailers find their footing and flourish within their target customer base. “With Christi’s leadership, Annapolis Town Center will continue to evolve,” says Maranda Auzenne, CRRP, …
Los Angeles — Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has appointed Dany Nasr as CEO URW Airports, leading the continued growth of its portfolio of airport and transit retail programs. “Dany’s extensive airport experience in North America and across the globe will strongly benefit our clients, partners and the communities we serve,” says Dominic Lowe, chief operating officer of URW U.S. “He’s a proven leader who will successfully deliver our pipeline of dynamic projects and create new business partnerships in the U.S. and Europe for our airports and transit hub platform.” Nasr joins URW …