Sears Hires Retail Exec

Sears Holdings (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) has named James Haworth as an executive vp and president of retail services. Haworth will join the company at the end of the month, succeeding Kevin Holt, who is leaving “to pursue other opportunities,” according to the retail company.

Haworth most recently served as chairman, president and ceo of Chia Tai Enterprises Intl. Ltd. & CP Lotus, an investment holding company that operated one-stop shopping centers in China. His career also includes operating a consulting firm and serving 20 years at Walmart Stores, Inc.

Holt joined Sears in September 2007 as senior vp and chief effectiveness officer. He was named to lead Sears' store operations in February 2008. The retailer continues a two-year search for a ceo.