New Top Guy at Odd Job Stores

Odd Job Stores Inc. (South Plainfield, N.J.) has appointed Steve Furner as its interim ceo. Furner replaces Peter Hayes, who resigned from the company and its board of directors to pursue other interests. The closeout retailer, which operates 79 stores in the Northeast, has engaged a search firm to recruit a permanent ceo.

Furner has been a member of Odd Job's board since June, and has been providing consulting services to the company since then. His background includes 35 years in retailing, including 21 years at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Prior to retiring from Wal-Mart in 1998, Furner served as president and coo of Wal-Mart Argentina. Since then, he has been vp of Alliance Consulting, advising retail companies on their strategic initiatives and operating programs.

Odd Job Stores Inc. operates stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan under the names Odd Job, Odd Job Trading and Mazel's.