Management

CVS Caremark said Larry Merlo will succeed Thomas M. Ryan as CEO on March 1 as part of its previously announced succession strategy. The company announced in May that Merlo would take the position as Ryan approaches retirement.

Coldwater Creek announced that Jill Brown Dean has been appointed president and chief merchandising officer, effective Feb. 14. She succeeds Georgia Shonk Simmons, who announced her intention to retire.

Retailer Coach has now seen two of its design executives split at the seams and leave for New York & Company. The latest to jump ship: Coach's Executive Vice President Of Design David Witkewicz.

Lowe's said that Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Steven Stone is leaving the company in order to pursue other interests. Lowe’s has named Michael Brown, executive vice president of store operations and Lowes.com, as Stone’s successor. Brown will report to chairman and CEO Robert Niblock.

The Men's Wearhouse announced that Grace Nichols has been elected to the company's board of directors, effective Jan. 30, increasing the number of directors to nine.

QVC has announced the promotion of Claire Watts to the newly created position of CEO of U.S., reporting to QVC President and CEO Mike George. Watts' new position, which is effective immediately, includes responsibility for the overall strategy and operations of QVC's U.S. business. 

CVS Caremark has named its two highest ranking retail executives to jointly lead the company’s CVS/pharmacy business, effective immediately. Mike Bloom, executive vice president of merchandising and supply chain, and Scott Baker, executive vice president of internal operations and real estate, will jointly manage the chain’s retail business until CVS completes its search for a new president.

The Yankee Candle Company announced that John Fontana has joined the company as president of the international division, and Hope Margala Klein has been promoted to senior vice president, brand design and innovation.

Target Corporation announced that Tony Fisher has been named president of Target Canada. Fisher will be responsible for building the team, establishing the headquarters and leading the day-to-day operations of the corporation's recently announced expansion into Canada.

Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Paul White to the position of senior vice president of apparel, home and seasonal. White will report to Dorlisa Flur, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.