Kmart names Tesco exec Alasdair James as president; Will focus on loyalty members

Sears Holdings Corp. says Alasdair James has joined the company as president and chief member officer for its Kmart business, a new position.

James, 44, was most recently the commercial director for British supermarket giant Tesco's global business unit. He will be responsible for Kmart's financial performance and merchandising, marketing and price strategies for its free loyalty program, Shop Your Way.

The Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based company controlled by billionaire hedge fund investor Edward Lampert, which also operates Sears stores, has been struggling to restore profitability and turn around sagging sales. It is focusing on a loyalty program that includes discounts for its shoppers.