Kmart Names New CEO

Kmart Holding Corp. (Troy, Mich.) has named Aylwin Lewis president and ceo, effective immediately.

Lewis, who will also join the Kmart board of directors, had been president and chief multi-branding and operating officer of YUM! Brands, Inc. (Louisville, Ky.), the operators of franchise chains KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, A&W All-American Food Restaurants and Long John Silver’s.

Lewis spent 13 years at YUM! Brands and has been in the restaurant industry for 26 years, beginning his career as a restaurant general manager. At YUM!, he was responsible for the operation of 2600 multi-branded restaurants and the company’s 1250 Long John Silver’s and 900 A&W All-American Food restaurants.

“Aylwin Lewis brings to Kmart a wealth of retail operating experience, a track record of personal and corporate success, tremendous people skills and a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence,” said Kmart chairman Edward Lampert. “He brings a strong record of successful operating performance. Under his leadership, we expect that Kmart will build further on its financial strength to become a truly great company.”

Lewis succeeds Julian Day, Kmart’s president and ceo since January 2003. Day will remain on the Kmart board and assist Lewis in the transition. “I am proud to have led the outstanding team which has accomplished so much at Kmart,” Day said. “As I relinquish my executive responsibilities at the company, I am confident that we have established the strong foundation that will allow Aylwin to focus on the goal of achieving operational excellence in all aspects of our business. Our company is very fortunate to have attracted such an outstanding executive, and I look forward to his success.”