Management

Jill Granoff, chief executive officer of Kenneth Cole Productions, announced her resignation, effective immediately. She had been at company for three years. In a statement, the company described the decision to find a new CEO as "mutual." Kenneth Cole, who founded the firm in 1982, will take on Granoff’s duties temporarily as the search for a new CEO begins. 

A solid guarantee is an important part of the selling process. It tells consumers that you stand behind your products and are truly focused on their needs. Prominently displaying your guarantee on your website and/or catalog makes sense, and should be heavily promoted as part of your offer.

Sears has announced that Lou D’Ambrosio will assume duties today as chief executive officer and president. D’Ambrosio, a former CEO of telecommunications company Avaya Inc., was named to the posts yesterday. Over the last six months, he worked as a consultant to the Sears board on strategic and operational matters, the company said.

Chico's FAS announced that it's appointed Kent A. Kleeberger to the position of executive vice president, COO. Kleeberger will replace Jeffrey A. Jones, who is retiring from the company effective March 7. Jones will serve as part-time consultant to the company during a transition period.

The Jones Group announced that it's appointed Sally Ross executive vice president of merchandising for Nine West Direct, effective immediately. Ross' focus will be on leading the merchandise initiatives for Nine West Retail, Nine West Outlet and NineWest.com, and she will report directly to Ron Offir, President, Jones Direct Group, the company reported.

The Home Depot said it will hire more than 60,000 seasonal associates in time for the company's second annual Spring Black Friday event. The retailer will implement the spring promotion market-by-market over four different weekends in the spring. The event marks the start of home improvement's busiest shopping season. 

Wal-Mart has announced that it will launch a global consumer insights team headed by Cindy Davis, the former executive vice president of its Sam’s Club division.

Roger Wyett, vice president and chief executive officer of Hurley International will become president of Nike Affiliates, leading business and strategic direction across the Nike, Inc. portfolio of affiliate brands, including Cole Haan, Converse Inc., Hurley International and Umbro.

Lowe’s said it's made several key promotions and moves in its human resources, legal, merchandising, logistics and information technology areas. Maureen K. Ausura was promoted to executive vice president human resources, from senior vice president in the same capacity. Gaither M. Keener has been promoted to executive VP general counsel, secretary and chief compliance officer, from senior VP in the same capacity. Both will continue reporting to CEO Robert Niblock.

Women's clothing chain Talbots said that a key executive, chief stores officer John Fiske, is leaving the company, which is struggling to turn itself around.