Cornell Named to Head Sam's Club

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here said last week that it has named Brian Cornell president and chief executive officer of Sam's Club, effective April 3. He succeeds Doug McMillon, who recently had been named president and CEO of Wal-Mart International. Cornell, 50, will report to Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores. Cornell most recently was CEO of craft retailer Michael's Stores, and before that he had been executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Safeway, where he helped the Pleasanton, Calif.-based chain roll out its “lifestyle” remodeling program. Before joining Safeway, Cornell held several positions at PepsiCo, including president of Pepsi-Cola North America and president of Tropicana.

E.W. JAMES TAPS PINK AS PRESIDENT

UNION CITY, Tenn. — E.W. James & Sons Supermarkets here said last week it has promoted Ken Pink to president of the company. He retains the chief operating officer role, and succeeds Lee Ann James as president. She remains chief executive officer. Pink joined E.W. James in June 2004 as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and he becomes the first non-family member to be named president of the family-owned company. Pink has 20 years of experience in the industry, including a stint as chief information officer of Harmon's City, an 11-store chain based in Salt Lake City. He also spent 12 years with Fleming Foods in a variety of positions. He has served on several standards committees in industry associations and is a member of the board of the Tennessee Grocers Association.

GIANT PROMOTES WILLIAMS TO SENIOR VP

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores here announced last week that Laura Williams has been promoted to senior vice president and general counsel. She had been vice president and general counsel and will continue to head up the company's legal department, as well as oversee the risk management and food safety departments. Prior to joining Giant in 2005, Williams was a partner in a law firm based in Harrisburg, Pa. She is a member of the board of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

FRESH MARKET NAMES KLINGER NEW CFO

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Fresh Market here has named Lisa Klinger as its new chief financial officer, effective March 23. Klinger most recently served as senior vice president of finance and treasurer of Michael's Stores, the Dallas-based crafts retailer. Previously, Klinger has served in financial roles for Limited Brands and Red Roof Inns. In her new role, she will oversee the company's finance, financial planning, analysis and information technology groups.

WEGMANS VETERAN JOINS SHOPPERS

TORONTO — Mark Valesano, the former senior vice president of pharmacy, health, wellness and beauty at Wegmans Food Markets, last month joined Shoppers Drug Mart as executive vice president, pharmacy. He succeeds Virginia Cirocco, who has decided to leave at the end of this month, the company said. Valesano, who served 11 years at Wegmans, will be in charge of the company's pharmacy operations.