Troy, MI, October 18--Kmart Holding Corp. has appointed Aylwin Lewis, formerly an executive at the restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc., as its new chief executive and president.
Lewis takes over for Julian Day, who was appointed in January 2003, when Kmart was in bankruptcy.
Lewis, who will also join the Kmart board, had been president, chief multi-branding and operating officer at Yum, whose brands include Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell restaurants. Lewis is a 13-year veteran of Yum.
Edward Lampert, Kmart's chairman and majority shareholder, praised Lewis as "the ideal leader and agent of change for Kmart at this time."
Kmart said Day will remain on the board of directors and assist Lewis in the transition.
