Kmart Cleans House

One day after he declared that 72 stores would close, Charles Conaway, Kmart's chair and ceo, announced further in-house changes.

The retailer's top merchant, Andy Giancamilli, was promoted to president and coo, in charge of merchandising, store operations, marketing and logistics. The proposed technology upgrade happening in every Kmart store, including improved logistics and distribution networks, is expected to complement Giancamilli's newly created position.

Donald Keeble, president of store operations, will retire after 29 years at Kmart, bequeathing his responsibilities to Giancamilli. The Wall Street Journal notes that much of the time in which Keeble headed U.S. store operations, the chain was criticized for untidy and out-of-stock stores.

In addition, Cecil Kearse will be promoted to executive vp of merchandising. And, Kmart plans to fill a chief marketing officer position, as well. The recipient of this newly created post will be responsible for advertisement strategy and in-store presentation and display.