Kmart taps food industry exec as new ceo.(Brief Article)

TROY, MICH. -- Aylwin Lewis, a fastfood industry executive with significant branding experience, has been hired by Kmart to take the retailer to the next level in its turnaround plan, replacing Julian Day who has held that post since January 2003.

Many credit Day and board chairman Eddie Lampert with returning an ailing Kmart to profitability in recent months through cost cutting, store closures, a renewed focus on home and apparel goods and new marketing to emphasize exclusive brands. Day was hired as president in 2002 while Kmart was in bankruptcy and succeeded James Adamson as ceo the next year, shortly before emergence. Day plans to retain his board seat and assist in the leadership transition.

In announcing the executive shift, Lampert credited Day with implementing many changes that enabled …