Kmart Hires Diversity Officer

Just a day after naming a new senior vp of “multicultural merchandising,” Kmart Corp. (Troy, Mich.) announced the appointment of Randy Allen as chief diversity officer. In this position, the full title of which is executive vp, strategic initiatives and chief diversity officer, Allen will report directly to chairman and ceo Charles Conaway.

According to the company statement, Allen will be responsible for supporting corporate initiatives tied to the company's key strategic imperatives, including the integration of BlueLight.com into Kmart orporation, management of the food distribution agreement with Fleming Companies, Inc. and the company's multi-cultural activities.

Allen most recently served as Kmart's executive vp, chief planning and information officer. She joined the retailer in 2000 from Deloitte Consulting in Parsippany, N.J., where she was that company's first female partner.

“In this new position, Allen will create momentum around our key corporate initiatives and ensure we remain focused on implementing programs that are in-line with our strategic objectives,” Conaway said. “She will work closely with the Human Resources, Store Operations and Strategic Implementation teams. In her role as chief diversity officer, Allen will help Kmart build energy around diversity among the company's key constituents, including customers, brand partners, communities and associates.”