people news

Freeport, ME-based apparel and outdoor gear cataloger L.L. Bean named Ed Howell chief retail officer and member of the office of president. Howell was previously president of the Sorel division of Columbia Sportswear. Also, Ken Kacere was promoted from vice president of factory stores to senior vice president/general manager of retail.

Dallas-based apparel and decor marketer Neiman Marcus Group hired Steven Dennis as senior vice president, strategy, business development, and multichannel marketing. Dennis was most recently vice president, corporate strategy for Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Cedar Knolls, NJ-based jewelry cataloger Diamond Essence appointed Mohammad Shamim head of marketing, circulation, and catalog production. Shamim was previously vice president of Inblack Advertising and Marketing. In addition to his marketing and production responsibilities, he will oversee list management for the company.

Redmond, WA-based apparel cataloger/retailer Eddie Bauer hired Stephen Cirona as vice president, design. Cirona was previously executive vice president/men's global creative director for Tommy Hilfiger USA.

Edgewater, NJ-based multititle mailer Hanover Direct promoted Hallie Sturgill from assistant controller to vice president/controller.

Pomona, CA-based human resources supplies cataloger Personnel Concepts promoted Alan Discount from chief operating officer to CEO.

Rochester, NY-based measurement instruments and calibration services provider Transcat gave Charles Hadeed the title and duties of chief operating officer, in addition to his responsibilities as vice president of finance and chief financial officer.

New York-based teenage apparel and sports gear cataloger Alloy appointed Matthew Feshbach to its board of directors. Feshbach is the founder/chairman of MLF Investments.

San Francisco-based high-tech gadgets cataloger/retailer The Sharper Image Corp. appointed president/chief operating officer Tracy Wan to its board of directors.

Boston-based paper manufacturer Sappi Fine Paper North America hired Jeffrey Pina as director of corporate communications. Pina was most recently vice president of corporate communications at NOVA Chemicals Corp.

Los Angeles-based telecommunication services provider Total Call International appointed Gary Greenburg and Sevan Derderian development managers. They both serve in the company's business-to-business department, working with clients seeking business communication services.

Waukesha, WI-based supply chain technology solutions provider RedPrairie Corp. appointed Tom Dragotta marketing leader. Dragotta was previously product manager for Vollrath Co.

Peterborough, NH-based list services firm Millard Group hired Sam Young as Internet services manager. Young was most recently senior merchandising manager for PC Connection. He will be responsible for helping clients develop online strategies, in addition to helping Millard bring e-mail files to market and finding search engine marketing and online advertising opportunities.

Hackensack, NJ-based list services firm MokrynskiDirect promoted Jessica Banholzer from customer service representative to account representative in its brokerage division.

Algoma, WI-based packaging products supplier WS Packaging Group has appointed Scott Fisher chief operating officer.