Management

Levi's has hired Beto Guajardo as global vice president of strategy, responsible for developing and executing a growth strategy for the iconic brand. Guajardo joins San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Co. from Avon, where he most recently was vice president of North America strategy.

Sears announced it's hired Edgar O. Huber as CEO and president of Lands' End. Huber most recently was with Liz Claiborne, where he was the executive vice president, global business development. Huber will be based at Lands' End's home office in Dodgeville, Wis.

American Express and vente-privee.com have hired an advertising executive from Google to lead their joint venture in luxury online private sales. Mike Steib, who most recently worked as Google's director of video advertising for the Americas, was named CEO of the joint venture.

One of the biggest challenges for retailers today is obtaining customer loyalty. How do you retain the customers you already have, while at the same time attracting new ones? Gone are the days when retailers exclusively owned a person’s loyalty. In today’s competitive environment most retailers and brands are actively trying to figure out ways to grab that customer and divert their attention away from the competitive landscape.

The Tommy Hilfiger Group has named John Ermatinger CEO of the company's Asia business, effective Aug. 1. Ermatinger was previously president of Gap Asia Pacific for two years and president of Gap Japan for three years. Under his leadership, Gap successfully launched the brand in China.

Last week, an employee of the Whole Foods Market in Toronto sent this epic resignation letter to the entire company. It's an alternatingly amusing, enlightening and occasionally infuriating read — but a good read, nonetheless.

Gap announced John Ermatinger, president of Old Navy International, is leaving the company, effective July 29. The company also reiterated its intention of expanding Old Navy outside North America, with the opening of its first store in Japan slated by the end of 2012.

Staples announced the promotion of Christine Putur to chief information officer. In her new role, Putur will have global responsibility for information technology strategy and execution. Putur joined Staples in 1999, and has since held various leadership roles on the company’s e-commerce, technology strategy, program management and U.S. Retail technology teams. She most recently served as senior vice president, information systems, for the company’s North American Delivery businesses.

Art.com, a specialty provider of wall art, announced Ivy Ross has joined the company as chief merchandising officer. Ross, who comes to Art.com from Gap, will lead worldwide merchandising, branding and public relations for the company's three brands — Art.com, AllPosters.com and ArtistRising.com.

Kroger said it's promoted Mark Tuffin to president of its Smith’s Division, succeeding the retiring Jim Hallsey. Tuffin joined Smith's in 1996, and most recently served as vice president, merchandising. In 2009, he was named vice president, transition for Kroger. Tuffin will assume responsibilities upon Hallsey's retirement at the end of July.