Personnel Update:
Do it Best Corp. has created a new position to be termed National Retail Performance Manager and promoted Scott Sproul into the job.
Do it Best Corp. promoted Jason Hipskind to regional sales and business development manager for the southeastern United States and hired Jean Fahy to serve the western United States. Both will focus on building and strengthening member-owner relationships with the co-op.
The Hillman Group, announced the hiring of two executives to fill newly created positions at Hillman. Doug Roberts joined the company as General Counsel and Secretary. Todd Spangler joined the company as Senior VP, President and General Manager and will lead Hillman’s Tempe, Ariz., facility.
Lowe’s continues to implement its customer-focused strategy with the creation of new executive roles. The company has created a customer experience division that will be led by Gregory Bridgeford, Chief Customer Officer, who is responsible for creating customer experiences that will best serve customers and differentiate Lowe’s from its competitors.
Reporting to Bridgeford are:
Robert Gfeller, Customer Experience Design Executive. Gfeller previously served as Exec VP Merchandising. His new responsibilities include leading the design of compelling, differentiating experiences across the United States multi-channel business. Over the near term, Gfeller will continue to lead the merchandising function until his former position is filled.
Thomas Lamb, Chief Marketing Officer. Lamb previously served as Senior VP Marketing and Advertising. His new responsibilities include all communications and marketing functions.
Joseph Mabry, Digital Interfaces Executive. Mabry previously served as Exec VP Logistics and Distribution. He will be responsible for planning, developing and operating Lowe’s internet websites and other digital customer interfaces.
Lowe’salso created an operations division, to be led by Rick Damron, COO, for delivering the customer experience.
Reporting to Damron are:
Dennis Knowles, U.S. Stores Executive. Knowles previously served as Senior VP Specialty Sales and Store Operations support. He will manage operations and in-store readiness of U.S. retail stores.
Brent Kirby, Sales and Service Fulfillment Executive. Kirby served most recently as Senior VP Store Operations – North Division. Kirby is responsible for managing operations of U.S. outside sales and services, including contact centers, installation, repairs, and on-site sales.
Gary Wyatt, Real Estate Executive. Wyatt will continue to oversee real estate, engineering & construction, and facilities and is responsible for designing, planning, constructing and maintaining retail and customer service spaces for the U.S. multi-channel business.
Lowe’s also made the following personnel changes:
Richard Maltsbarger has been named Business Development Executive. He previously served as Senior VP Strategy. Maltsbarger is responsible for strategic planning, business process management, research and Lowe’s innovation center.
Nelson Peace, now Corporate Administration Executive, previously served as Senior VP Corporate Affairs. Peace is responsible for government affairs, corporate facilities, corporate security, aviation, and corporate events and travel.
William Robinson, now Head of International Operations and Development, previously served as Senior VP of International Operations and Customer Support Services. Robinson is responsible for the company’s operations in Canada and Mexico as well as international development.
Mergers and Acquisitions:
Beacon Roofing Supply has reached an agreement to acquire Cassady Pierce Co., a distributor of residential and commercial roofing products, for an undisclosed sum.
Deering Lumber has purchased two stores from New England Building Materials. Deering now operates four retail locations.
Industry Insight:
Builders FirstSource has announced a new location in Clarksville, Tenn., approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville.
Demmer Hardware, a third generation, family-run businesses, closed within days of its 95th anniversary in May.
Lowe’s expects to open approximately 10 stores in fiscal year 2012.
Menard opened its first location in Kentucky, a megastore measuring more than 200,000 sq. ft., in Owensboro, Ky.,
Rocky’s Ace Hardware opened a new store in Westfield, Mass. The new concept store measures 12,000 sq. ft.
Real Estate:
Menards broke ground on a new project as the first phase of a $67.2 million retail shopping center in Garden City Kansas. The Menards store, which will encompass about 162,000 sq. ft.
