Kmart Announces Executive Appointments
Rose Reza to Oversee Multi-Cultural Merchandising Initiatives, William Wulfers Joins Company
Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) today announced the appointment of Rose M. Reza, 38, to Senior Vice President, Multi-Cultural Merchandising, reporting to Cecil Kearse, Executive Vice President, Merchandising. Effective immediately, Reza will be responsible for developing the company's merchandising assortment that is appropriate for its many communities, connecting with the diverse cultures of Kmart's customer base.
A 15-year Wal-Mart veteran, Reza joined Kmart earlier this year as Senior Vice President, Southeast Division from her post as Regional Vice President responsible for the South Florida region. Reza also was the recipient of the Sam Walton Entrepreneurial Award while at Wal-Mart.
"At Kmart we believe that diversity enriches -- so much so that we have made it one of our five core beliefs," said Conaway. "Having Rose in this senior position will help the company become the retailer of choice for all multi-cultural markets. Her focus will be ensuring that the merchandise available in Kmart stores caters to the unique demographics of our diverse communities -- she will drive the merchandise and service that meets the needs of local markets."
In related moves effective immediately, William E. Wulfers, 54, has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Southeast Division, replacing Reza. Wulfers will be responsible for overseeing the operations of approximately 550 stores and 50,000 associates in 9 states.
A 34-year retail veteran, Wulfers served 14-years at Wal-Mart, most recently as a Regional Vice President Store Operations. He also was President and CEO of Campo Electronics, Appliances and Computers, Inc., and Divisional Vice President, AutoZone.
"William Wulfers brings a significant number of years of retailing and business experience to his post with Kmart. His proven ability to convert under-performing markets into profit centers will strengthen Kmart's efforts to continually improve our performance," said Conaway.
Kmart has made significant progress in recruiting top retail talent to lead the company's turnaround strategies. Since Chairman and CEO Chuck Conaway joined Kmart in May 2000, more than 500 executives from various retail and other Fortune 100 companies have signed on to be a part of the retailer's exciting resurgence.
Kmart Corporation is a near-$40 billion company that serves America with more than 2,100 Kmart and Kmart Supercenter retail outlets and through its http://www.bluelight.com/ internet portal. Kmart donates $35 million each year to support its hometowns and local nonprofit organizations. Kmart associates also provide their most valuable resource -- time -- every day in their local communities. In addition to serving all 50 states, Kmart operations extend to the Caribbean Islands and Asia Pacific. More information about Kmart is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.bluelight.com/ under the "About Kmart" section.
SOURCE: Kmart Corporation
Contact: Stephen Pagnani of Kmart Media Relations, +1-248-463-1021
Website: http://www.bluelight.com/