Management

Amazon.com has begun its hiring ramp up, with about 50 management positions on the docket currently. The online retail giant, which is opening distribution sites in Lebanon and Murfreesboro, Tenn., is hiring managers in operations, facilities, human resources and other areas, according to the company. This marks an initial swath of hiring on the way toward more than 1,500 jobs. 

Best Buy officials said Monday that former CEO Brian Dunn, who resigned after a company investigation found that he had a personal relationship with a female employee, demonstrated “extremely poor judgment and a lack of professionalism.” However, the probe found no evidence that he improperly used company resources, including the use of aircraft. In related news, Best Buy’s founder Richard Schulze has decided to step down as chairman of the board for the retail chain. The board determined that Schulze “acted inappropriately” when he failed to notify Best Buy’s Audit Committee of the allegations.

Walgreens on Monday launched its national Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative (REDI), an in-store training program designed to help people with disabilities gain retail and customer service skills. Walgreens works closely with community organizations and vocational rehabilitation agencies to train and develop candidates. Another similar initiative at Walgreens’ distribution centers (DCs) resulted in 10 percent of the workforce being made up of people with disabilities at all levels across all 20 DCs. The company hopes to see the same success with REDI. 

Francesca's Holdings Corporation today announced that it has terminated for cause the employment of Chief Financial Officer Gene Morphis based on an investigation by its board of directors with the assistance of outside counsel, which has found that he improperly communicated company information through social media. The investigation was launched after the company discovered this activity on May 11. Cynthia Thomassee, Francesca's controller since 2007 and vice president of accounting since 2010, will serve as interim chief financial officer.

At the direction of its board of directors, Robert P. Stiller no longer serves as Green Mountain Coffee Roaster's chairman of the board and William D. Davis no longer serves as lead director of the board, effective immediately. Additionally, Stiller and Davis will no longer serve on any board committees and will not receive future payment for their service on the board until the board determines otherwise. These changes are the result of the actions taken by the board to address stock sales by Stiller's and Davis' brokerage firm, which sales were inconsistent with the company's internal trading policies.

Kevin Plank can't help himself. The Under Armour CEO might know, in his heart of hearts, that his horse is a long shot against the world's finest three-year-old thoroughbreds. His farm manager, Tom Mullikin, describes the dark bay colt as more "grinder" than star. But Plank's own rise, from blindly ambitious college kid to billionaire apparel mogul, is an underdog tale. So he can't help but play Joe Namath and talk big about his colt's chances in the 137th Preakness Stakes. "Tiger Walk will win."

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According to a filing by Best Buy, former CEO Brian Dunn may receive $3.3 million or zero in termination payments following his highly publicized resignation. The payout is dependent on whether Dunn is determined to have left voluntarily on April 9. In the filing, Best Buy said it's reviewing Dunn’s compensation pending its investigation into his personal conduct. The company also said it will make the results of the probe publicly available and will disclose the final terms of his departure once resolution is reached. Dunn is accused of using company resources to conduct an improper relationship with a female employee.

QVC announced the promotion of Steve Hofmann to CEO of QVC Europe, reporting to QVC President and CEO Mike George. In the newly created position, Hofmann will oversee QVC's European markets, including the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, and accelerate growth opportunities throughout Europe. He maintains his current responsibility as CEO of QVC Italy and will continue to be based in Milan. Also announced were the promotions of Gregg Bertoni to chief merchandising officer, QVC Italy, and Paolo Penati to COO and CFO, QVC Italy. 

Approximately 35 people from the SEIU and Teamsters unions and Working Washington were protesting working conditions at Amazon.com's warehouses in Pennsylvania. Two former workers from Pennsylvania warehouses were on hand to share stories of what they said were extremely hot conditions, long hours and an unfair points system for workers. Protesters said Amazon did not respond to complaints and news reports about the working conditions by installing air conditioning and fans, but instead punished workers for getting sick.