For the Week of January 26

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting (Charlotte, N.C., design firm) has hired Nicole Vachow as senior retail visual strategist. Vachow was previously director of visual strategies at Chute Gerdeman.

Wilsonart Intl. (Temple, Texas, manufacturer of decorative surfacing materials) has named Harry Burton regional manager for its Boston Market Center.

Anthem Group (San Francisco brand and packaging design consultancy) has hired Ted Leonhardt as its global president. Leonhardt was previously chief creative officer/global for Fitch: Worldwide in Europe. Also, Anthem has named Anne Marie Pagliacci global executive vp in its Toronto office.

Alliance Metals Inc. (West Chester, Pa., supplier of prefinished aluminum) has named James Geddes president and ceo, Rhonda Meyer national sales manager and John Evans vp, operations.

Chandler Exhibits (Afton, Minn., designer and manufacturer of retail and trade show exhibits) to 13523 Hudson Road S., Afton, MN 55001. Phone: 651-389-5900; fax: 651-389-5950.

Crabtree & Evelyn (Woodstock, Conn., retailer of skin care products, home fragrances, fine foods and gifts) will open a store at The Shops at Columbus Circle in New York on February 5.

Juno Lighting Inc. (Des Plaines, Ill., lighting manufacturer) is sponsoring the Home by Design @ The Stardust, a full-scale, fully furnished home displaying the latest in design principles, building materials and lighting products. The home is on display in Las Vegas through January 30 at the International Builders Show and Surfaces trade shows.

The National Retail Federation (Washington, D.C., retail trade association), in partnership with J.C. Penney Co. and the Center for Retailing Studies at Texas A&M University, has named Brenda Sternquist as the first-ever Retail Educator of the Year. Sternquist is professor of merchandising management at Michigan State University.