MANAGEMENT CHANGES
Fossil Inc. (Richardson, Texas) named Jack Krause senior vp, global retail, focusing on growing the multi-brand watch retail business. Krause most recently served as acting president and coo for LensCrafters.
San Antonio-based General LED, parent company of AgiLight and GenLED Lighting, has named Michelle Huang chief technology officer. Huang will oversee the companies’ product development and R&D efforts.
Pacific Northern Inc. (Carrolton, Texas, provider of custom display and fixture products) has appointed Mike Wharton executive vp, U.S. and European operations. During his 10 years with the company, Wharton has held several positions, including vp of sales and senior vp, retail displays and fixtures division.
STORE OPENINGS
Lanvin has opened its first boutique in Los Angeles, on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The 4520-square-foot store is one of the French fashion house's largest in the world and is its fourth in the U.S.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Safeway Inc. (Pleasanton, Calif.) plans to open nine new stores in the western U.S. Six locations are expected in the Bay Area, including Pleasanton, Castro Valley, El Cerrito, Campbell, Los Gatos and Burlingame, Calif.
Meld USA (Raleigh-Durham, N.C.) along with its distribution partner Caragreen, recently added Ethos Sustainable Finishes to its sales/marketing team. Ethos will represent the company in the Philadelphia, southern New Jersey and Delaware territories.
Martin Professional (Aarhus, Denmark) has appointed Finnish company Studiotec as its new distributor in Finland.