Kmart parent brings in a new merchandising leader

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart parent company Sears Holdings hired Ron Boire as EVP, chief merchandising officer and president of Sears and Kmart formats.

Boire, who previously was president and CEO of Brookstone, will lead merchandising and retail stores for both the Sears and Kmart brands.

"He will work with our leadership team to better serve our customers and Shop Your Way Rewards Members by integrating their experiences across our stores, online, services, and mobile capabilities," the company said.

"We are in the midst of a transformation of our business, from top to bottom, as we seek to become the leading integrated retailer in the country," Sears Holdings president and CEO Lou D'Ambrosio said. "By attracting someone with Ron's significant experience in retail, merchandising and product development as well as in leading companies through turnarounds, we're adding a key talent in accelerating our transformation."

The move comes shortly after Sears announced plans to close 100 to 120 Sears and Kmart stores. D'Ambrosio added, "We have made some difficult decisions recently and will make the hard choices necessary to turn our business around going forward. At the same time, we will continue to invest to better serve our customers by delivering world-class, integrated experiences across our stores, our online sites, our services and our mobile capabilities. And, we will continue to invest in our people, ensuring that we have the talent and skills necessary to effect this transformation."