People Briefs

Wal-Mart Global Sourcing India Private Limited has appointed Rajnish Kapur general manager. Kapur was formerly vp, hardlines and home division, Li & Fung.

Wal-Mart said it will directly source more than $600 million from Indian suppliers in 2006, up from more than $400 million in 2005. Major product categories include home textiles, apparel, fine jewelry, and housewares. The procurement division said it has grown to 120 employees since its initial sourcing office opened here in 2001.

Kapur said, "We expect that direct sourcing from the region will continue to grow as suppliers in the region are innovative and respond quickly to new trends and business opportunities."

Diversified home textiles supplier Bacova Guild has named Jason Wilmoth business manager for the rug and floormat segments, reporting to Bacova president Charles Bowers.

Wilmoth has 11 years of experience in retail, including posts at Federated Department Stores, Stein Mart, and Garden Ridge.

The Bon-Ton Stores has named Michael Hayes senior vp, marketing and administrative services, reporting to Ed Carroll, executive vp, sales promotion and marketing.

Hayes joins the 278-unit department store operator from consulting firm Accenture, where he was a senior manager in the retail practice. He has prior experience with specialty retail and consumer goods companies.

Family Dollar Stores has named Michael Laurenti to vp – information technology, reporting to chief information officer and senior vp Josh Jewett.

Prior to joining the 6,200-store discount chain, Laurenti was vp – business and technology services at Linens 'n Things.