Management

Recreational Equipment Inc. has promoted Bill Baumann and Brad Brown to senior vice president, information technology and e-commerce and direct sales, respectively. In addition, Kathleen Peterson has been named vice president of private brands for REI. "Bill and Brad's promotions recognize the strategic importance of the information technology and e-commerce divisions to provide the infrastructure required to support REI's growth over the next five years," said Brian Unmacht, REI's executive vice president. "Kathleen's remarkable 25-year career with premier global brands serves her well as she leads the expansion of our award-winning branded gear and apparel offerings." 

Under Armour, a cross-channel retailer of performance apparel, footwear and accessories, announced that Karl-Heinz ("Charlie") Maurath has been named president, Under Armour International, effective September 2012. Maurath brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience to his new role at Under Armour, which will include driving international growth, leading the brand's strategic expansion into key global markets and overseeing Under Armour's international business in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Target Corp. has named a former Gap executive to replace the departed Michael Francis as chief marketing officer. Jeffrey Jones II, who most recently was a partner and president of McKinney, an advertising agency based in Durham, N.C., has taken on the role of Target’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, effective immediately. "We're very excited to welcome Jeff to the Target team," said chairman, president and chief executive officer Gregg Steinhafel.

On orders of the U.S. Department of Defense, The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will for the first time in its 116-year history name a civilian to the role of CEO/director. Until such a person is named, Chief Operating Officer Mike Howard will take over as acting CEO/director as the organization’s board of directors seeks a permanent replacement. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will hold a "Change of Responsibility” ceremony in Dallas to mark the retirement of the Exchange’s current commander, Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, after more than 36 years of service. 

Michaels Stores, the arts-and-crafts retailer owned by the Blackstone Group and Bain Capital, plans to file to go public as soon as next week, according to people briefed on the matter. The initial public offering could be one of the biggest of the year.

I discovered the Japanese fashion chain Uniqlo from walking by the retailer's store on 34th Street in New York City. The windows got my attention because they reminded me of what Benetton stores used to be — colorful and fun — and all mannequins were wearing Moon Boots (it was winter).

Aaron's, a specialty retailer of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced that the company has entered into a settlement of a lawsuit with a former Aaron's associate who claimed she was sexually harassed by a former co-worker in 2006.

After a fire in 2010 at a Bangladesh factory that manufactured Tommy Hilfiger garments killed 29 workers, Tommy Hilfiger recently assured ABC News that his company no longer uses those unsafe factories.

A Brooklyn, N.Y. judge has tossed out a $260 million lawsuit alleging that American Apparel CEO Dov Charney kept a young employee as a "sex slave," saying 21-year-old Irene Morales had already agreed to arbitration. Supreme Court Judge Bernadette Bayne delivered her Feb. 10 ruling to attorneys Wednesday, according to DNAInfo.com. Bayne didn't address the merits of the claim that the 43-year-old Charney conscripted Morales, a former manager at a local American Apparel branch, into serving as his sex slave for eight months once she turned 18.

Some are still waiting for proof that the Great Recession is finally over. Well, here's positive proof that good times have arrived: Retail CEO salaries aren't only above prerecession levels, but fabulously above them.