The Knockout Group Inc. has added Coleman Peterson, former executive vice president of people for Wal-Mart Stores, to its seven-member board of directors. Peterson retired from Wal-Mart after 10 years as chief human resources officer.
“Coleman Peterson has a sterling reputation as one of the most revered names in the retail industry,” says John Bellamy, chairman and CEO of The Knockout Group Inc. “His addition to the board catapults the Knockout Group onto the upper strata of the retail landscape and gives the Knockout brand significant stature and credibility.”
Peterson is president and CEO of Hollis Enterprises, which he founded in 2004 after retiring from Wal-Mart Stores. The firm supports businesses in improving their organizational effectiveness through leadership development, diversity achievement, succession planning, human resources and general business issues.
From 2000 to 2004, he served as executive vice president of Wal-Mart’s people division, after functioning as senior vice president in that position. As the company’s chief human resources officer, Peterson presided over the world’s largest private work force, with 1.5 million associates. He was responsible for associate recruitment, retention and development for the retail giant. He also presided over Wal-Mart’s global growth in Mexico, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Asia and South America.
Prior to joining Wal-Mart, Peterson spent 16 years with Venture Stores of St. Louis, with his last role being the senior vice president of human resources.
LITTELFUSE INC.
Littelfuse Inc. named Gordon Hunter chairman, president and CEO. Hunter was appointed COO in 2003 and has served as a director of the company since 2002. He succeeds Howard B. Witt, who retired.
Hunter joined Littelfuse from Intel Corp., where he was vice president, Intel Communications Group, and general manager, Optical Products Group. Prior to Intel, he served as president of EloTouchSystems, a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and sales of computer touch screens.
Littelfuse also named Elizabeth Calhoun vice president – human resources. Calhoun assumes responsibility for all worldwide human resources activities at the company.
Previously, Calhoun was director, human resources – home services for Sears Roebuck and Co. She has also worked at Pepsi Bottling Group Inc., Colgate Palmolive Co. and TRW Inc.
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
Huron Consulting Group Inc.’s board of directors elected Gary E. Holdren chairman and CEO. Holdren had served as the company’s president and CEO since May 2004. He also serves as CEO of Huron Consulting Services LLC, Huron’s operating subsidiary.
LEE HECHT HARRISON
Michael Buckman was named national practice leader for Signature Service at Lee Hecht Harrison. He was most recently general manager of the company’s Lisle and Schaumburg offices and regional leadership specialist for the Greater Chicago area.
Julie Beck was appointed executive vice president of the company’s Central region. She has served as senior vice president of the company’s Northwest region. She has also worked in management at Sylvan Learning Corp.
CNA FINANCIAL CORP.
CNA Financial Corp. named D. Craig Mense CFO. Mense succeeds Robert V. Deutsch, who served as CFO from 1999 to October 2004.
Mense previously worked at St. Paul Travelers, where he served most recently as president and CEO of its Global Run-Off operations. From May 2003 to May 2004, he was COO of the Gulf Insurance Group.
INNERWORKINGS
Steven E. Zuccarini was named CEO of InnerWorkings. He served most recently as president of global solutions with R.R. Donnelley. Previously, he held the title of president of catalog and retail solutions as he led a team responsible for more than $1 billion in revenue across multiple channels for more than 400 customers worldwide.
CDW
CDW Corp. elected Stephan A. James to its board of directors. James holds the advisory position of international chairman at Accenture. Most recently, he served as COO – capabilities and was a member of the office of the CEO.
Prior to being named COO in 2000, James was managing partner of two of Accenture’s operating groups — Resources, where he led the firm’s business focused on the energy, chemicals and utilities industries, and Financial Services, where he was responsible for all business in the banks, insurance and health care industries. He joined Accenture in 1968 and was named partner in 1979.
HIGHBEAM RESEARCH INC.
Keith Powell has joined HighBeam Research Inc. as vice president and chief technology officer.
He was previously senior manager for BearingPoint Inc. (formerly KPMG Consulting). Powell has authored or co-authored more than 10 books on several of the popular Microsoft software tools and operating system products.
AON CORP.
Aon Corp. named Craig A. Streem vice president and head of investor relations. Streem was most recently vice president of corporate relations and communications for Household International, now part of HSBC Holdings.
