Aylwin Lewis named president and CEO of Kmart

Jet, Nov 8, 2004

Kmart Holding Corporation has appointed Aylwin Lewis as its first Black president and CEO.

Kmart is one of the nation's largest mass merchandising companies.

Lewis, 50, who was president, chief multi-branding and operating officer for YUM! Brands, Inc., the world's largest restaurant company, will also join the Kmart Board of Directors.

Julian Day, who served as Kmart's president and CEO since January 2003, will remain on the Board of Directors and assist Lewis in the transition.

The Houston native has been in the restaurant industry for 26 years, beginning his career as a restaurant general manager and rising through the ranks to his most recent position at YUM! with over $8 billion in annual revenue.

"Lewis as our president and CEO ... brings a strong record of successful operating performance," said Edward S. Lampert, chairman of Kmart.

"I am very enthusiastic about working with Eddie Lampert and the Board of Directors to drive the operating excellence and cultural change that are the hallmarks of great companies," said Lewis, who earned a dual bachelor's degree from the University of Houston in both business management and English literature and an MBA from the University of Houston.