Strategic Hire

Sears, Roebuck & Co. has hired Sara LaPorta, a former vp at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), as its senior vp and chief strategy officer, according to an internal announcement to employees.

Crain's Chicago Business reports that LaPorta, who led the retail and consumer practice group in BCG's Boston office, will report directly to chairman and ceo Alan Lacy. She replaces Michael Tower, 43, who left the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer in May. LaPorta is the third outsider to join Lacy's senior management team since October, following the appointments of a chief marketing officer and a president of department stores, a new post.