Bubbler Executive Appointments and Awards

Kohl’s promotes key executives
Kohl’s Corp. recently announced the promotions of four key executives to new positions.
The Menomonee Falls-based retail chain made the following promotions: Don Brennan to chief merchandising officer; John Worthington to chief administrative officer; Peggy Eskenasi to senior executive vice president; and Wes McDonald to senior executive vice president and chief financial officer.
All of the promotions are effective Dec. 1 and are part of Kohl’s ongoing executive succession planning process, reflecting the ongoing stability of the management team.
"Our focus on strong succession planning has allowed us to build an unparalleled executive management team," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. "The individuals recognized today are proven leaders with consistent results who demonstrate the vision, innovation and strategic prowess required to position Kohl’s for continued long-term success."
Brennan, 50, who has served as senior executive vice president since September 2007, is responsible for oversight of all merchandising divisions, merchandise planning and allocation, and e-commerce. With his new role, Brennan will also assume management responsibility for product development, which previously reported to Mansell.

Walker names Gilkes chief of staff
The transition office for Governor-elect Scott Walker announced that Keith Gilkes will serve as Walker’s chief of staff.
“Keith did an outstanding job building a team in every corner of Wisconsin,” Walker said. “He is a trusted advisor and his background in state government will assist my administration in developing the policies needed to create an environment for 250,000 new jobs in our state.”
“I’m honored to serve in the administration as well as help Governor-elect Walker accomplish the goals laid out during the campaign,” Gilkes said. “Scott Walker will help set a new course for Wisconsin state government and I look forward to assisting him as he builds a team to get Wisconsin back to work.”
Gilkes has served as Walker’s campaign manager since April 2009, successfully building a statewide organization in all 72 counties that resulted in an electoral victory on Nov. 2.
Before joining the Walker campaign, Gilkes ran the statewide efforts of the Committee to Elect a Republican Senate, which coordinates resources for all State Senate Republican campaigns, and previously worked for the Wisconsin State Legislature as a policy advisor in the State Senate. He is a native of Prairie du Chien and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

ASQ Global hires Fowler to be managing director
Milwaukee-based ASQ has appointed John Fowler as managing director of ASQ Global.
Fowler will expand ASQ’s presence throughout the world, focusing on membership growth, business growth and developing and implementing strategic and operating plans. His office will be at ASQ’s world headquarters in Milwaukee.
“I am pleased to join ASQ as it builds on the foundation that has been set up globally by the very committed member leaders and staff,” said Fowler.  “I am honored to work with ASQ Global to make a positive impact on the lives of people worldwide.”
Over the past decade, ASQ Global has expanded its presence in key markets, supporting members in more than 150 countries and operating offices in China, India and Mexico. ASQ Global provides local access to professional development, certification, knowledge and information services, as well as to a membership community.
Fowler has more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including executive roles in sales and marketing. Most recently, as chief global services officer of the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), he was responsible for opening USP offices in India, China, Brazil and Switzerland.
“Fowler’s strong sales and marketing background, significant experience operating globally and an appreciation of the mission-centric world of nonprofit organizations will make him a great asset to ASQ,” said Paul Borawski, chief executive officer of ASQ.